The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Pembrokeshire is increasing, latest figures show.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics for December 2012 show that 1,563 people were claiming while not working in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, 4.9% of the economically active population.
That is 242 higher than in November 2012 and 52 higher than December 2011.
In Preseli Pembrokeshire 1,490 were claiming in December 2012, which is 46 fewer than in December 2011 but up 134 on November 2012.
Stephen Crabb MP said he was disappointed to see an increase in the numbers of unemployed claimants after they had been dropping for several months.
"It goes to show how fragile the situation remains and the need for even greater efforts in this area.
"I know that the local Job Centre Plus and the work programme teams are currently working incredibly hard to keep moving people off the job less rolls.
"In the months ahead we are likely to see mixed news and there are no grounds for complacency whatsoever."
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