Registered unemployment in August increased by 1,322 when compared to the same month last year, bringing the number to 7,443, the National Statistics Office said this morning.

This included 6,713 people in Malta and 730 in Gozo.

Accordingly, in the 12 months to August, the number of people registering for work in Malta increased by 1,288, those in Gozo by 34.

When compared to the corresponding month a year ago, the number of male registered unemployed increased by 1,038, while the number of female registered unemployed increased by 284.

In the 12 months to August , the number of people aged 45 years and over registering for work increased by 569.

On the other hand, the number of registered unemployed aged under 25 went up by 339.

Between August last year and August this year, the people registering for work for less than 20 weeks increased by 640 and those whose unemployment spell exceeded the 52 weeks increased by 292.

Among men, the most common occupations sought related to sevices and elementary duties, whereas women tended to seek jobs which were clerical or service-oriented.