The nation’s job market surged in September with the addition of over 300-thousand new positions, the largest monthly gain in 19 months.

Data released Friday by the Ministry of Data and Statistics showed that employment reached 29-point-15 million, up 312-thousand from a year earlier.

This marks the strongest growth since February 2023, when 329-thousand jobs were added.

The increase was largely driven by the service sector, with government analysts citing the boost from consumption coupons rolled out in July to encourage household spending.

The wholesale and retail sectors added 28-thousand jobs, the biggest gain since November 2017, while the hospitality and food service industries grew by 26-thousand, the strongest increase since March.

However, the manufacturing sector continued its downward trend, losing 61-thousand jobs in September, marking a 15th consecutive month of decline.