KRAKOW, Poland, Nov 30: Polish unemployment may inch up in November from 17.5 per cent in October, but should not exceed 18 per cent at the end of 2002, in line with earlier forecasts by the cabinet, Labour Minister said on Saturday.

According to the ministry’s estimates, the unemployment rate could edge up by 0.1-0.2 per cent in November, Jerzy Hausner told reporters. It is possible that at the end of the year it will be at 17.7-17.8 per cent.

Last week the Central Statistical Office said the number of registered unemployed stood at 3.1 million last month, down from 3.11 million in September.—Reuters