The unemployment rate in the Czech Republic increased to 8 percent in January, a 0.6 percent jump from the December 2012. Companies are receiving, on average, 17 applicants for each open job position, according to figures from the Labor Ministry. The data also showed the number of those who are out of work grew by 40,500, bringing the total to 585,809. The labor ministry found the number of available jobs has decreased to 33,794. The unemployment rate was at 7.1 percent in January 2012.
