Italian jobless rate jumps to six-year high

MILAN: The Italian unemployment rate jumped to 8.6 per cent of the work force in October, its highest monthly reading since the start of the statistical series in 2004, official figures showed Tuesday.

The jobless rate came to 8.3 per cent in September and 8.2 per cent in October 2009.

The rate in the 16-nation eurozone, of which Italy is a member, reached 10.1 per cent in October, an all-time high.

Separately Istat reported Tuesday that annual inflation stabilised in Italy at 1.7 per cent in November compared with October.

From October to November prices were also stable.