A new high has been recorded in January 2013 with unemployment reaching 27.2%; among youth aged 15-24, the dramatic record is 59.3%. The total number of people without work is shocking 1,348,742.
The data that makes one dive in depression was released on Thursday by the Greek Statistics Authority.
In comparison
January 2013: 27.2% – January 2012: 21.5% – December 2012: 25.7%
Aged groups
15-24: 59.3% ( 51% in Jan 2012)
25-34: 34.2% (29% iin Jan 2012)
35-44: 23.5% (18.2 in Jan 2012)
3,000 people lose their job daily
Jobless increased by 281,048 people in relation to January 2012.
Within one month (December 2012 to January 2013), 95,709 people lost their work. That is more than 3,000 people per day.
Women are hit by unemployment with 31.4% and men with 23.9%
Regional data
Epirus-Makedonia 29,2%
Attica prefecture 28.4%
Macedonia-Thrace 28.2% (Full ELSTAT report here)
Unemployment in Greece cannot be stopped. And how could it? For the first time after 45 years, Greece recorded deflation . According to ELSTAT, inflation was at -2.0% in March.
With tax increases, income cuts and uncertain perspectives for the future, consumers’ demand must have dropped to the absolute necessary purchase of goods and services. This causes massive loss of jobs.
And furthermore, the whole discussion that the minimum wage may drop further, below 580 euro per month – and 510 euro per month for those below 25 years old -, certainly makes employees to be rather on stand-by for a better deal for them but a worse for workers.
A Jobless’ Diary is an online platform offering Greek unemployed opportunities to express how they deal with the problem. Worth to read some personal stories.
