The number of people registering for work in Malta increased significantly over the past year, according to new figures from the National Statistics Office.A total of 1,319 people were on the unemployment register in July 2026, up by 307 from July 2025. That represents an increase of around 30%.Compared to June, however, the figure remained virtually unchanged, decreasing by just three people.Men made up the majority of those registered as unemployed, accounting for 814 people, or 61.7%, while 505 women were registered.Unemployment increased across every age group compared to last year, with the largest rise recorded among people aged between 30 and 44.The biggest increase was among people who had been registered for less than 21 weeks, with this group growing by 185 people year-on-year.Meanwhile, clerical support roles remained the most sought-after jobs, accounting for 31.5% of registrations, followed by technician and associate professional positions at 16.8%.The number of people with a disability registering for work bucked the wider trend, falling by 16 compared to July 2025.What do you make of the year-on-year rise in registered unemployment?•