Unemployment still a major problem despite buoyant economy

The winter increase in employment is a seasonal occurrence; in fact the unemployment rate is slightly lower than in January 2003. Economists and business leaders expect the jobless count to finally start declining this year, supported by fast growth (4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2003) and the cut in corporate income taxes. "This is not enough though. Business confidence will increase significantly when the present political turmoil settles and the Hausner program of budget cuts is approved," said Jacek Męcina from the Polish Confederation of Private Employers (PKPP). (Gazeta Wyborcza, Feb. 21-22, p. 1) T.J.