Unemployment in Wales has fallen by 1,000 to 130,000, according to the latest figures from the the Office for National Statistics.
The number of unemployed between September and November was 130,000 – taking the jobless rate to 8.9%. This 7,000 higher than the same period in 2010.
Wales’ claimant count in December 2011 was 77,300 – falling by 500.
The ONS said unemployment across the UK increased by 118,000 in the three months to November to 2.68m – its highest level since 1994. The unemployment rate rose by 8.3% to 8.4%.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan has given a cautious welcome to the statistics, which also showed the number of people in work rose by 13,000 over the quarter.
She said: ““This is encouraging news, but we need to bear in mind that this is a single set of figures and there is still a long way to go. The task ahead of us is a great challenge, as the unemployment rate in Wales is still unacceptably high at 8.9% and there are still 130,000 people looking for work.
“This is the second month in a row in which more people are moving off Job Seekers allowance than went on to it which is welcome news. We need to ensure there are ample conditions for growth, in order to ensure that there are real opportunities for the people of Wales to show what they can do.
“I urge the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government, to help turn this single set of positive figures into a long-term upward trend. We know that we have the resources and the support available to make Wales a first class business destination, so it is up to all of us to work together to promote Welsh business opportunities and attract inward investment.”