Sep 10 (NHK) - Workers in Japan may be looking beyond the pandemic. A government survey says their view of business conditions has improved, for the fourth month in a row. One index fell and that was for restaurants.
The monthly Economy Watchers Survey says employee sentiment toward the business environment rose to 43.9 in August, up 2.8 points from the previous month.
The poll covered more than 2,000 workers, including shop staff and taxi drivers.
Retail and housing showed optimism. But worries over infection are still hitting hospitality. The index for the restaurants fell by more than 4 points.
An employee at a home-appliance store said air conditioners are selling well hanks to extra demand amid the scorching weather, and more people working from home.
Looking ahead, predictions for 2 to 3 months from now improved for the first time in 2 months, up 6.4 points from July to 42.4.
The Cabinet Office says the improvements are most likely due to slower growth in the number of new infections.
