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Jobless rate

December 1, 2009

Unemployment dropped in November for the fifth consecutive month, according to data released by the Federal Labor Agency. The figures are another sign that Europe's largest economy is on its way to recovery.

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Construction workers
Unemployment in Germany continues to fallImage: dpa - Bildfunk

Germany's Federal Labor Agency announced on Tuesday that the number people out of work in the country dropped by 13,000 from October to November.

According to the agency, the overall unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percent to 7.6 percent.

"The effects of (the recession) on joblessness and employment have been much less dramatic than had been feared by many," said agency chief Frank-Juergen Weise.

Although there are 227,000 more people without a job now than there were a year ago, Weise said he was optimistic that the situation would improve in 2010.

Despite suffering through the most difficult economy since the end of World War II, Germany has avoided mass layoffs.

Officials credit government-subsidized reduced-hour programs with helping companies reduce costs without cutting personnel. Last week Berlin approved the extension of the program for another 18 months.

hf/AFP/AP/dpa
Editor: Kyle James

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