UPDATE 1-Slovak March jobless hits record low of 8.89 pct

...warm 
weather encouraged seasonal work, the Labour Office said on 
Thursday. 
    The jobless rate fell steadily to a previous record low of 
9.12 percent in November from around 20 percent four years ago 
due to a crack down on welfare abuse and strong economic growth. 
    The rate then moved slightly higher due to layoffs and 
seasonal factors, reaching 9.45 percent in January. It stood at 
9.2 percent in February. 
    "There was a positive impact of seasonal works. Outflow of 
labour force to foreign countries and active measures on the 
labour market also had an influence," said Vladimir Hasko, head 
of the Labour Office's research department. 
    "We expect to see a decline of the jobless rate in April as 
well," he said but did not give reasons. 
    Large foreign direct investments, such as in the booming car 
and electronics industries, have helped to boost employment in 
recent years. 
    A new plant by South Korean Samsung Electronics , 
announced in March, is expected to create 1,200 new jobs, while 
its suppliers should employ a further 4,500 people. 
    U.S. auto parts maker Lear Corp.  said earlier this 
week it would initially employ 500 people in its new Slovak 
factory worth 25 million euros ($33.98 million). 
    Foreign investment helped to push economic growth to a 
record 8.3 percent in 2006, taking the small ex-communist 
European Union member into the ranks of the world's fastest 
growing nations such as China and the Baltic states.