The following are the top stories in national newspapers today.

Times of Malta says social welfare service employees will not step foot in schools, hospitals and police stations come Tuesday, as they escalate the industrial action pending an agreement over their pay. In another story it says three-quarters of Maltese businesses advertised on social media last year, taking top spot in the Europe Union, but many are still thought to be reluctant to shift their focus online.

The Independent says that another big nature park is to be declared in the south of the island.

L-Orizzont quotes Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef saying this is the beginning of a big change as preparations are in full swing for Saturday’s launch of Malta as European Capital of Culture.

In-Nazzjon says Marsaxlokk mayor Horace Gauci has written to the Prime Minister complaining of dangers in every corner of his locality.