The rate of unemployment in Taiwan is still too high, says premier Wu Den-yih.

Answering legislative session questions, he said the numbers remain an issue for the country and more effort is needed to bring them down.

According to the Central News Agency, Mr Den-yih suggested January's rate of 5.68 per cent was actually a lot lower than last August's record high of 6.13 per cent, because those on unpaid leave were not previously counted as without a job.

If they had been factored into the figures, the 6.13 per cent would have been as high as eight per cent, he added.

However, it is hoped this year will be one when a significant number of jobs are created - a forecast by the Council of Economic Planning and Development puts unemployment at 4.9 per cent by the end of 2010.

The Council of Labor Affairs also said recently businesses in Taiwan are set to increase recruitment drives next month, making some 58,300 more jobs available.