THE level of unemployment in Wales has seen the largest rise of all the UK nations and regions in the past quarter, according to statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figure is up by 6,000 – 0.4 percentage points – taking the rate in Wales to 4.7 per cent, which is above the UK average of 4.3 per cent.

Wales was the only part of the country where unemployment has risen when compared to the 2016 figures.

In Gwent, the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit has reduced by 1,035, with the biggest fall occurring in Blaenau Gwent – 270.

Torfaen saw the second biggest fall – 255 – in claimants, followed by Newport – 225, Caerphilly – 215 and lastly Monmouthshire – 70.

There are still 8,610 people in Gwent still claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, the most of whom reside in Caerphilly – 2,890.

Newport has the second most claimants with 2,500, followed by Torfaen – 1,410, Blaenau Gwent – 1,280 and Monmouthshire again in last place with 530.

Kevin Murphy from Cwmbran Jobcentre said: “The lead up to the festive period has seen an increase in opportunities currently available around the Newport and Torfaen area.

“We Fight Any Claim has various call centre positions available and Cwmbran-based Burtons Biscuits are taking on production operatives.

“Newport-based Admiral is currently recruiting for claims handlers and retention consultants.

“As well as the array of seasonal jobs opportunities in retail and hospitality, we have also seen an increase in vacancies in the Construction Sector.”

First minister Carwyn Jones said: “The labour market statistics published today show that we are building on strong foundations, with the second largest increase in employment rates of the UK regions over the quarter and with economic inactivity in Wales down on both the quarter and the year.

“We remain committed to working the with business community to drive growth.

“Yesterday we launched our new Economic Action Plan in order to strengthen our economic foundations, supercharge the industries of the future and empower Wales’ regions.

“Just this morning I met with Andrés Arizkorreta, the chief executive of Spanish train manufacturer CAF, to discuss how we can work with the company to ensure their move to Newport delivers maximum benefits for our economy and creates hundreds of quality jobs.”

Meanwhile, the level of employment in Wales is up by 2,000 - 0.5 percentage points - on the quarter, taking the rate to 72.8 per cent, below the UK average however of 75.1 per cent.

Alun Cairns MP, the Welsh secretary, said: “Whilst it is great to see that employment levels have increased there is still more that needs to be done to ensure employment levels are sustainable.

“The UK Government is working hard to create the right conditions for economic growth, investment and jobs in Wales by implementing policy such as scrapping the Severn Tolls.

“We will continue to do more to demonstrate the strength of the Welsh economy to business.

“I’m convinced that increasing exports to new markets will not only grow the Welsh economy but will create jobs across Wales.

“I’m doing everything I can with the support of my cabinet colleagues to help companies in Wales maximise their exporting potential.”

Damian Hinds MP, the employment minister, said: “We’re ending the year on a strong note with figures showing the unemployment rate has fallen every month in 2017, and is now at the lowest it’s been in over 40 years.

“Employment is at a near-record high, and there are over three million more people in work now compared to 2010 – that’s more than the population of Greater Manchester.

“Universal Credit is helping people get into work quicker, and ensuring they get more money in their pockets for every hour they work.

“Universal Credit supports both the unemployed and the low paid, as people don’t have to end their benefit claim when they find a job.

“This is especially important at this time of year, when many people take on temporary seasonal work.”