MADRID - THE number of people filing jobless claims in Spain soared to almost 3 million following a 6 per cent rise in unemployment registrations in November, further evidence of the country's economic troubles.

The Labour Ministry said on Tuesday that an additional 171,243 people signed on for unemployment benefits last month, bringing the total to 2.99 million.

The increase was nevertheless somewhat slower than the 7.3 per cent increase registered in October.

'Even though we're still going through a period of great difficulty, the November figure reflects a slowing down in the rise in jobless claims from the previous month,' Employment Secretary Maravillas Rojo said.

'I'm convinced the recent measures taken by the government will improve the unemployment situation.' The government last Thursday unveiled an 11 billion euro (S$21.1 billion) stimulus package for public works and the ailing auto industry. Other recent measures include a loosening up of credit for banks and rewards for businesses who hire people supporting families.

Spain, one of Europe's fastest-growing economies over the last decade, is experiencing a sharp downturn because of the international financial crisis, which has exacerbated a collapse in its key construction industry. -- AP