TOKYO (AFX-ASIA) - Unemployment is likely to hit 5.0 pct, a new historical high, in July, up from the 4.9 pct seen in May and June, the Asahi Shimbun reported, without citing sources.
Tokyo, Aug. 23 (AFP) - Japan's jobless rate is likely to have hit yet another record high in July, triggering speculation that the government might have to decide on extra spending soon, a major daily said. The July jobless rate, to be announced on Tuesday, is likely to reach 5.0%, the highest level since 1953 when the government started compiling data under the comparable format, the Asahi Shimbun said.