Portugal’s government views the latest rise in the jobless rate as a concern but is sticking with its forecast for next year, the secretary of state for employment said.

The unemployment figures are very worrying, but the government maintains its forecast of 16%” for 2013 and of 15.5% for this year, Pedro Martins told journalists in a break from an event at the Institute of Employment and Professional Training in Lisbon on Monday.

According to figures released earlier in the day, Portugal’s jobless rate in August was 15.9%, a new record that is exceeded in the eurozone only by Greece and Spain.

Commenting on the fact that the number is higher than the government’s forecast for this year’s average rate, Martins said the latter remained “realistic” given action being taken to combat unemployment.

Obviously these are very high numbers that merit great concern,” he said. “This is the result of the adjustment that is taking place in the Portuguese economy, but structural reforms are underway.”

The employment secretary said Portugal can reduce its rates by investing in professional training in areas where there is more demand.