New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS) An upward trend in employment generation seen over the last one year continued during the

first quarter of this fiscal with the creation of 13.58 lakh jobs, according to the latest official survey.

"The upward trend in employment reflected by the previous four quarterly surveys has sustained during the quarter April-June, 2010 as well," the ministry of labour and employment said Monday in a statement.

The survey on the "Effect of Economic Slowdown on Employment in India" Covering April-June 2010 has been brought out by labour bureau under the ministry.

"While comparing the results of the last four quarterly surveys period that is June 2010 over June 2009, the employment at overall level has increased by 13.58 lakh," it said.

The survey covered sectors like textiles and apparels, leather, metals, automobiles, gems and jewellery, transport, IT/BPO and handloom/powerloom across 11 states and union territories.

It said the growth in employment opportunities has been led by the highest growth in IT/BPO sector, which accounted 8.54 lakh jobs alone.

It is followed by 1.52 lakh new jobs in textiles, 1.37 lakh in metals, 1.10 lakh in automobiles and 0.93 lakh in gems and jewellery during the same period.

The survey attributed the fall in employment in textile and some other sectors to seasonal factors.