TOKYO - Japan's manufacturers boosted production in April, but more people lost jobs as the recession's pain shifted from corporate boardrooms to individual workers and families.
Industrial output jumped 5.2 per cent in April from the previous month, rising for the second straight month, the government said Friday. Companies making electric parts, chemicals and transport equipment posted particularly strong gains.
Hit by an unprecedented slowdown in global demand late last year, Japanese manufacturers have responded aggressively by slashing production and jobs in an effort to lower costs and trim stockpiles.
Inventory levels in April declined 2.7 per cent in April, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Their outlook is bullish as well. Manufacturers expect production to soar 8.8 per cent in may and 2.7 per cent in June.
The cost cuts that have benefited companies, however, are taking a greater toll on workers and families.
The country's unemployment rate rose to 5 per cent in April. The result marks the highest reaching since 2003 and an increase from 4.8 per cent in March.
The total number of jobless people climbed by 710,000 from a year earlier to 3.46 million, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said. Those with employment fell by 1.7 from the previous year to 63.22 million.
Separately, the government said prices fell in April. The country's core consumer price index, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, declined 0.1 per cent.
