The latest rise in unemployment has been small - but unexpected

Latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate's risen to a ten-year high of 5.4 percent in the December quarter, with 165-thousand Kiwis out of work.

The rise is being driven by more people moving out of education and training, and into the workforce.

The Herald's Liam Dann says it's not a number the Government wants to see heading into election year.

He says unemployment is deeply personal and emotional, and this Government has spoken a lot about job creation.