The unemployment rate remained "virtually unchanged" at 24,3% for the fourth quarter of 2009, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.

South Africa's jobless rate in the third quarter of 2009 was 24,5%.

"The fourth quarter of 2009 showed a possible end to the deterioration in the labour market rather than a recovery," Kefiloe Masiteng, deputy director-general at Stats SA, said in Pretoria.

In the fourth quarter, 89 000 jobs had been created.

"This shows signs of stability but it must be remembered that the 89 000 jobs created were mostly in the informal sector and in elementary occupations."

Masiteng said that the year-on-year picture, however, showed a loss of 870 000 jobs.

"Job losses were widespread and affected most industries," she said.

Year-on-year, the unemployed increased by 292 000 and discouraged work seekers increased by 518 000.

Masiteng said that fourth quarter rates remained virtually unchanged when compared to the third quarter as the employment rate moved from 75,5% to 75,7%.

The absorption rate moved from 41,3% to 41,5% while the labour force participation rate stayed the same at 54,8%.

The inactivity rate remained unchanged at 45,2%, Masiteng said.