November Unemployment Rate Falls in Germany

Germany's unemployment rate has fallen to a 10-month low for November after adjustment for seasonal factors. Figures released by the Federal Labor Office showed the number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell by 18,000 compared to last month. Its the third consecutive drop and also higher than most analysts expected. In unadjusted terms, however, the jobless total rose by 32,000 people. Just over 4.1 million people are currently unemployed, 10 percent of the overall workforce. Analysts said the slight improvement came as a result of the government's labor market reforms rather than a substantial turnaround in the economy.