The number of registered unemployed people totaled 699,658 in July, the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) announced on Tuesday, which translates into an increase of 1.82 percent in comparison with June 2011.

The agency, in a report, said that 41.30 percent of unemployed people are men (288,961) and 58.70 percent women (410,697).

Unemployment in the 30-54 age group accounted for 62.70 percent of registered unemployment in the country; in the age group below 30 the rate was 28.09 percent, while in the age group above 55 the rate was 9.21 percent.

Greek citizens accounted for 93.05 percent of unemployed people, while non-EU third country nationals accounted for 5.68 percent and EU citizens 1.27 percent.

The number of wage-earners receiving unemployment benefit totaled 205,534 in July, up 3.64 percent from June. New hirings totaled 81,773, down 19.86 percent in comparison with June 2011 and down 12.07 percent compared with July 2010. Lay-offs totaled 55,520 in July, down 23.20 percent from June 2011 and 11.20 percent down from July 2010.