The number of people registered as out of work rose by 9.5 per cent in July compared to the same month last year.

Last month, 7,298 people were registered as unemployed – up by 634 from 2012 and marginally higher than the 7,279 registered in June, according to national statistics.

Data provided by the Employment and Training Corporation shows a year-on-year growth of 820 people (13.7 per cent) under part one of the unemployment register and a drop of 186 people (27.8 per cent) under part two.

Those registering under part one are new jobseekers who have left school, those who re-entered the labour market, and those made redundant.

Those in part two are workers dismissed because of disciplinary action, left of their own free will, refused work or training opportunities, or were struck off the register after an inspection by law enforcement personnel.

Last month, 7,298 people were registered as unemployed

Registered unemployment in Malta rose by 9.6 per cent while that in Gozo and Comino increased by 8.6 per cent.

The number of those aged 45 and over went up by 8.1 per cent, while those under 20 dropped by 10.7 per cent, compared to 2012.

A year-on-year increase of 543 was recorded for people who remained unemployed for over a year and there was a marginal increase of 34 in unemployment among people who had been registering for less than 21 weeks.

The number of disabled people registering under both parts dropped by 4.5 per cent compared to June 2012.

In line with past trends, the largest share of unemployed men were seeking work in services, sales and crafts sectors, while most women sought clerical jobs.

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party said the Government was more interested in appointing people close to it in different authorities and boards than offering a concrete solution to strengthen the economy and create jobs.

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