Labor Minister stands by job promises despite gloomy outlook for next year

The government has warned that the weak economy could force unemployment up sharply next year, after fresh data showed the number of people out of work neared three million in October. According to Central Statistical Office (GU S) figures released yesterday, the unemployment rate rose to 16.4% in Octobe r, from 16.3% in September and 14.1% a year ago. The number of unemployed la st month rose to 2,944,000, up a third of a million year-on-year. The govern ment accepts that worse is to come. In its 2002 austerity budget, the jobles s rate is forecast to rise to 18.6% by the end of next year. "This is a cons ervative forecast. We have to make pessimistic assumptions," said Labor Mini ster Jerzy Hausner. However, he stood by the government's election pledge to reduce unemployment significantly over its four-year term. (Reuters)