The number of people unemployed in Wales increased by 7,000 in the three months to the end of January bringing the total figure to 125,000.
The figures, published by Office for National Statistics (ONS), show the unemployment rate of 8.4% was up by 0.5%.
The UK’s jobless total increased by 7,000 to 2.52 million
Responding to the rise in the number of the unemployed in Wales, Welsh Policy Unit Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses, Janet Jones, said: “For the second month running we are seeing another worrying increase in the number of unemployed in Wales.
“However compared to a year ago, the figures are more favourable, showing how volatile the situation is in Wales. Our latest quarterly index revealed today shows that small businesses in Wales are significantly more confident than they were this time last year.
“We need to hear measures from the Chancellor today to boost that confidence and give a helping hand to small businesses. He must deliver a Budget for business that will give clear tools to small firms to create jobs and wealth. We know that smaller firms can be an important pathway back to work for the long-term unemployed.”