German unemployment inched up in September due partly to late school holidays in some states, but the jobless rate held at a post-reunification low in a further sign that consumer spending could propel growth in Europe's largest economy this year.
ING chief economist Carsten Brzeski said the slight increase in the seasonally adjusted total was probably the effect of summer holidays ending in September in more regional states than usual.
The Munich-based Ifo think-tank said last week the current influx of refugees, expected to hit a record 800,000 this year, is boosting the retail sector, in particular sales of groceries.
Senior conservatives are therefore urging a flexible application of the new minimum wage in relation to refugees, arguing that those with minimal qualifications could struggle to find jobs at the 8.50 euro hourly rate.