Official figures put unemployment in SA in December at 6.4 per cent, up from 6.2 per cent the previous month.

But the state government said 8800 full-time jobs were added in December with 10,000 more people now in work compared to the same time the previous year.

"December's jobs figures reinforce recent economic reports showing that South Australia has weathered the COVID storm remarkably well to date, with low case numbers, businesses open, and more fulltime jobs," Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said.

The minister said job vacancy figures were also at a 10-year high while business and consumer confidence were positive.

"These key indicators are critical for the state's ongoing jobs and economic recovery," he said.

But the Labor opposition said SA was the only state where unemployment went up last month and had the worst rate for underemployment and the lowest participation rate.

"This month's job numbers make for grim reading," Opposition Treasury Spokesman Stephen Mullighan said.

"The fact SA has the worst underemployment rate in Australia reveals there is a broader problem with South Australians being unable to secure enough work to make ends meet."

Australian Associated Press