The national economic environment continued to be relatively weak in 2012 despite a continuation of low growth. While GDP volume increased slightly by 0.9% and GNP volume increased by a substantial 3.4%, the volume of total national consumer expenditure declined by 0.9%. National employment decreased by 0.6% and the unemployment rate was 14.7% compared with 14.6% in 2011. The pressure on discretionary and disposable incomes continued in 2012.