A similar rate of unemployment was last seen in May.

In the corresponding month last year, the jobless rate was 7.2%.

The number of unemployed persons increased to 112,701 in October from 105,796 in the previous month. Employment decreased to 1.620 million persons in October from 1.621 million in September.

In a separate report, the Zagreb-based agency said that Croatia's average net monthly wage totaled HRK 7,623 (EUR 1,020) in September, down 5% year-on-year in real terms.

In August, the average net monthly salary was 3.9% lower on the year in real terms.

On a monthly comparison basis, the average net monthly wage in September fell 2.2% in real terms, after adding 1.3% in August.

The average gross monthly salary amounted to HRK 10,325 (EUR 1,377.25) in September, down by a r eal 4.2% year-on-year and lower by 2.8% on the month.