São Paulo, September 25, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Unemployment in the São Paulo metropolitan area rose to 20% of the economically active population (PEA) in the month of August. This represents 1.969 million people. The rate was 19.7% in July. These data were released by the Seade Foundation, in partnership with the Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socio-Economic Studies (Dieese).

According to the study, the number of unemployed people increased by 35 thousand, as a result of the entry of 27 thousand people on the job market and the loss of 8 thousand jobs. The reduction in income of people with jobs amounted to 1.6%, ending up at R$ 898.00. The reduction in the average income of salaried workers was 1%, ending up at R$ 967.00. (DAS)