Rio de Janeiro, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The average open unemployment rate as measured by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in Brazil's six main metropolitan regions rose to 6.8% in January, compared to 5.8% in December, and 5.7% in January 2001. According to the IBGE, the rise was due to a seasonal increase in the number of people seeking employment in January. There was also a sharp drop in jobs in commerce (as temporary work for the holiday season terminated). There was also a significant drop in the number of workers in the building industry. (AB)