Unemployment in August up to 8.5 percent, a three-year high

In related news, the unemployment rate in the Czech Republic rose to 8.5 percent in August, which is the highest rate in over three years. Last August, the jobless rate was at 5.3 percent. In total, there are more than 480,000 people out of work in the country, according to data released by the government on Tuesday. The areas hit worst by the rising unemployment include the north Bohemian district of Most with over 16 percent and the northern Moravian district of Karviná with almost 15 percent. The lowest number of unemployed was registered in Prague, with 3.4 percent.