AP reported that Japan's unemployment rate rose for a third straight month in May 2010, while household wages and spending fell.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications, the country's seasonally adjusted jobless rate climbed to 5.2% in May 2010, up from 5.1% in April 2010 and the highest level since December 2009. The number of jobless stood at 3.47 million, which is unchanged from the previous year. Those with jobs fell 0.7% to 62.95 million.

The result reflects a still fragile recovery for the Japan's economy, where an export boom has been slow to translate into sustained improvements for workers and families.

A separate government report showed household spending in May fell a real 0.7% from a year earlier as incomes retreated. Average monthly household income fell a real 2.4% from a year earlier to JPY 421,413.

A labor ministry report, however, pointed to some bright spots in the jobs picture. The ratio of job offers to job seekers stood at a seasonally adjusted 0.50 in May, up from 0.48 in April. That means there were 50 positions available for every 100 job seekers.

(Sourced from Associated Press)