Unemployment in Powys has risen by a whopping 10.3 per cent in the last year.
Figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) shows the latest claimant count for the county is 1,415 unemployed people, which is 132 more than 12 months ago.
Broken down further, unemployment in Montgomeryshire has risen by a staggering 12.2 per cent, while in Brecon and Radnorshire the figure is up by 8.4 per cent.
However a spokesperson for the DWP described the labour market in north Powys as "buoyant within all sectors, but particularly in the care sector and manufacturing sector".
She added: "Christmas retail vacancies are currently being advertised and Jobcentre Plus are supporting The Oaks Care Home in Newtown to recruit local employees in readiness for their opening in early December."
Further south the picture is a bit more mixed and the spokesperson reported: "In south Powys, Brecon Jobcentre Plus are supporting B&M to recruit up to 80 staff for their new store opening in the near future. Llandrindod Wells Jobcentre Plus are providing Rapid Response support to 22 employees of a local sawmill who are facing redundancy."
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