Rio, 12/19/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In October there was a slight drop in industrial sector employment of 0,5%, compared to September, with seasonal adjustments. According to the government statistical bureau (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) (IBGE), in comparison with October 2002, there was a decrease of 1.6%.

The São Paulo industrial sector was weak in the employment segment (down 0.9%) and pushed the nationwide index down.

The number of paid hours of work in October, was down 0.1% compared to September, and 1.3% compared to October 2002.

As for wages, they were down 0.1% compared to September in real terms. That is the third consecutive month that wages have fallen. (AB)