Job-hunting in Italy is a major topic, with much information available online and elsewhere. We have condensed some useful information, as follows:

- Unemployment is around 9% (2003 estimate). Principal industries are tourism, iron and steel, machinery, chemicals, food processing, textiles and ceramics

- Non-EU citizens may have difficulty getting permission to work in Italy (permesso di lavoro). Italians are given preference for jobs, followed by EU citizens. Jobs given to non-EU nationals tend to be senior executive roles for multinational companies

- Italy has NO private employment agencies (however, see additional information below). The government employment agency only registers Italian citizens

- Useful government-sponsored website: www.ergonline.it

- Very little part-time and summer work (see below for another opinion). Young women may find au pair jobs

- Jobs teaching English - UK citizens often get these (no permit needed)

- Self-employment possible, usually translation or language teaching. For self-employment advice contact your nearest Italian consulate: www.embassyworld.com