Unemployment edges higher as more people look for work

A surprise drop in the number of people with full time work has pushed up the nation's unemployment rate.

Figures released today ((thur)) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the national jobless rate lifted to 5.1 per cent in November from 5 per cent.

While part-time work increased by 37,000 through the month, the number full time jobs across the country dropped by 6,400.

Labor's Employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor is using the figures to criticise the government's wages policy.

But the government's minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, Kelly O'Dwyer, says the opposisiton is too focused on wages.