U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed job gains in July but says more work need to be done to help the American workforce.

On Friday the Labor Department reported a larger than expected gain of 163,000 non farm jobs while the unemployment rate edged up to 8.3 percent.

(SOUNDBITE) (English)U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"Lets acknowledge , we still have too many folks out there that are looking for work. We've got more work to do on their behalf."

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 36 percent of registered voters believe Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has a better plan for the economy, compared to 31 percent who had faith in Obama's policies.

At campaign stop in Nevada, Romney took aim at Obama's record.

(SOUNDBITE) (English)U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY SAYING:

"The effective unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. That's the longest period of time, 42 months, the longest period of time we have had unemployment above 8 percent in American history., since this thing has been recorded. This is a record of failure."

Job growth is likely to stay in focus ahead of the November election as economists remain bearish -- given potential tightening in fiscal policy in the U.S., and the ongoing debt troubles in Europe.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.