Unemployment increased by 485 in June when compared to the same month last year.

The number of those registering for work with the Employment and Training Corporation stood at almost 6,700.

Official figures published yesterday showed that unemployment edged up in all age groups, apart from the under-20s.

While the number of unemployed Maltese increased by 502, the jobless in Gozo dropped by 17.

Almost eight out of every 10 unemployed people were men but unemployment among women registered a stronger increase.

When compared to June last year, the number of people registering for work for more than a year rose by 86 and those who were registering for work for fewer than 21 weeks went up by 229.

In line with past trends, the majority of unemployed men were seeking occupations in services, sales and crafts whereas women mostly looked for clerical jobs.

Reacting to the news, the Labour Party said the increase in unemployment was worrying and required a government focused on generating jobs.

The figures unmasked the government’s “cheap propaganda”, the party said with reference to the Prime Minister’s statement that 20,000 jobs were generated since 2008.