Updated | 9.5% rise in unemployment last month

In July, the rate of unemployed persons increased by 9.5% when compared to the corresponding period in 2012.

Total number of unemployed now stands at 7,300.

Statistics by the NSO show that registrants whose duration of unemployment exceeded one year also increased by 543.

Unemployed persons with disability dropped by 4.5% when compared to the previous year.

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

In a reaction to the NSO statistics, the Nationalist Party lambasted government for failing to draft a job creation strategy.

"Labour spent its first five months in power appointing people close to it, who didn't necessarily enjoy the required expertise, in the various ministries, authorities and various boards. At the same time, it failed to produce a concrete solution which would help economic growth and increase workplaces," Opposition spokesman for the economy Mario de Marco said.

Together with PN MP Stephen Spiteri, de Marco said economic success and job growth could not be taken for granted. The government, they said, had had several opportunities during which it could have revealed its strategy.

"But we have seen nothing so far," the MPs said.

The Opposition said 25,000 jobs have to be created over the next five years.

"One hopes that this negative result serves to push government to start addressing the country's needs and economic realities."