(ANSA) - Rome, December 23 - Almost 29,000 Italians had been hired after getting the government's basic income as of December 10, the ANPAL job agency said Monday.

The figure, 28,763, was 63.6% up on the previous total issued on October 21, it said.

Some 67.2% of the new hires were on a steady, long-term contract, 18% were temp hires and 3.8% apprenticeships, ANPAL said.

Some 67.9% of those hired were under 45.

Some 58.6% were men and the remaining 41.4% women, the agency said.

