Over 350,000 unemployed in June

Out of a population of 8.4 million, 281,566 people were registered as unemployed, and 73,073 were on training courses. 

According to Austrian calculations, the unemployment rate was at 7.4 percent which was a rise of 0.9 percent, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs said on Tuesday.

The unemployment rate rose particularly among non-Austrian citizens, people older than 50, and disabled people.

Whilst the total rate of unemployment increased by 12.8 percent, the rate among foreigners rose by 29.1 percent, among older workers by 23.4 percent and among those with handicaps by 26.3 percent.

By contrast the unemployment rate among teenagers only increased by 10.1 percent and remained below the average increase.

According to the Minister for Social Affairs Rudolf Hundstorfer (SPÖ), Austria still has the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union.

Nevertheless there was not enough economic growth to allow disadvantaged groups to find jobs, Hundstorfer said. This was due to weak domestic demand.

"To stimulate domestic demand it is necessary to reduce taxes on labour," Hundstorfer said, arguing in favour of a mooted tax reform.