With unemployment still on the increase in Wales, the trade association representing the private recruitment industry has pledged to continue working in partnership with the public sector to help get more people back into work.

The latest figures show the number of people seeking work in Wales has risen by 4,000 to 123,000 although at the same time, there has been a slight increase in those now in work.

Philippa George, Wales’s regional director for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: “Though our unemployment rate is still one of the highest in the four devolved countries, the onus is now on both private and public sector interests to continue working together to help more people back into work.

“The REC has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jobcentre Plus to strengthen ties between the two as this for us is the best way forward in pooling both our knowledge and expertise to ensure those seeking work are given the best guidance and opportunities available.”