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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.
