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Welsh unemployment drops by 8,000 Welsh unemployment drops by 8,000
(about 3 hours later)
Unemployment fell by 8,000 in Wales between September and November to 121,000, but rose by 21,000 compared to the same period last year.Unemployment fell by 8,000 in Wales between September and November to 121,000, but rose by 21,000 compared to the same period last year.
The Welsh unemployment rate now stands at 8.5%, across the UK it is 7.8%.The Welsh unemployment rate now stands at 8.5%, across the UK it is 7.8%.
Figures released last month indicated the jobless total in Wales had risen by 9,000 - one of the largest quarterly increases across the United Kingdom.Figures released last month indicated the jobless total in Wales had risen by 9,000 - one of the largest quarterly increases across the United Kingdom.
UK unemployment in the three months to November fell by 7,000 to £2.46m, the first drop in 18 months.UK unemployment in the three months to November fell by 7,000 to £2.46m, the first drop in 18 months.
The number of people claiming jobseekers allowance in Wales also fell.The number of people claiming jobseekers allowance in Wales also fell.
The Conservatives said the figures were "welcome" but warned against complacency. Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said the figures were "encouraging" but warned Wales was "far from out of the woods".
Shadow Welsh Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan MP said: "Job losses over the last week have highlighted the incredible fragility of the Welsh economy and how we cannot afford to be complacent about today's news. Highlighting recent job losses at Bosch, in Miskin, near Cardiff and Welsh Country Foods at Gaerwen on Anglesey, Mr Jones said the recession's effects were "still having an impact on the Welsh economy and are likely to do so for some time".
"The Welsh Assembly Government is not complacent about the challenge we face in leading Wales out of this downturn towards a stronger, more sustainable future," he said.
"However, whilst I have always urged caution in reading too much into a single months figures, these latest statistics do show encouraging signs of improvement in the labour market in Wales," Mr Jones added.
'Incredible fragility'
The Conservatives also gave the figures a guarded welcome.
Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan MP said: "Job losses over the last week have highlighted the incredible fragility of the Welsh economy and how we cannot afford to be complacent about today's news.
"The unemployment rate in Wales remains higher than any other UK nation, a quarter of the working population are economically inactive, and 21,000 people have lost their jobs in the last 12 months."The unemployment rate in Wales remains higher than any other UK nation, a quarter of the working population are economically inactive, and 21,000 people have lost their jobs in the last 12 months.
"That's why we need a fresh approach to creating and protecting jobs, supporting businesses, and investing in skills and training.""That's why we need a fresh approach to creating and protecting jobs, supporting businesses, and investing in skills and training."