The deterioration of Sweden's labor market eased in December, according to the Nordic country's government.

The labor board suggested that there are signs that a recovery in employment is near, despite the national jobless rate increasing by 0.3 per cent to nine per cent last month, Reuters reported.

In addition, the organization disclosed that the unemployment rate for individuals excluding those in job schemes rose by 0.3 per cent to 5.6 per cent in December.

"There are many indications that we have the worst of the weakening in the labor market behind us," the labor board said.

Last week, Swedish finance minister Anders Borg suggested that recent developments in the country's economy had been better than expected.

If this trend continues, the Swedish politician claimed that it could create room to introduce new labor market support measures, Dow Jones reported.