
The Ministry of Labor speaks about a series of positive developments in the labor market, citing data from the ELSTAT human resources survey, but also from the ERGANI system, regarding unemployment and the course of wages.
Significant reduction in unemployment
According to the Ministry of Labor, using ELSTAT data, unemployment has decreased by 4.4 percentage points since ND took over the government of the country. (From 17.2% when SYRIZA was defeated in the 2019 elections, to 12.8% in January 2022).
-In January 2022 we had the lowest unemployment rate since July 2010 (12.8%) and the lowest number of unemployed since March 2010 (587.1 thousand).
The decline in unemployment is greater among women and young people, two population groups that have been particularly hard hit by the crisis.
-In the third quarter of 2021 the employment rate rose to 63.3% (the highest since the third quarter of 2010) while the number of employees exceeded in June 2021 the psychological barrier of 4 million for the first time since August 2011 .
-And all this despite the coronavirus crisis and the relevant negative forecasts for unemployment. These positive developments were not accidental. They became a reality due to the tax, fiscal, licensing, labor and insurance policies of the government that encouraged investment and created new jobs.
Wage increase
According to the Ministry of Labor, this positive picture is confirmed by the data of PS ERGANI which records paid employment in the private sector. In particular, in the four years 2018-2021, the following is recorded:
• Increase of the average monthly salary by 4.3% (from 1,072 to 1,118 euros)
• Reduction of employees who receive up to 700 euros per month by 9.8% and increase of those who receive more than 1200 euros by 14.8%.
The reduction in insurance contributions adopted by the government, combined with tax cuts, increased the disposable income of employees.
Indicative:
• For a monthly salary of 1,000 euros the benefit goes up to 3.2% (355 euros per year) while for a monthly salary of 2,000 euros it reaches 3.5% (691 euros per year).
• For employees receiving the minimum wage, the cumulative benefit from the above reforms and the increase of the minimum wage by 2% from 1.1 / 2022 ranges from 3.97% to 5.5%, depending on the three years they have completed.
The future policy of the government
In the near future, according to the Ministry of Labor, the government’s policy will further favor the employed and unemployed:
• With the new significant increase of the minimum wage from May 1.
• With the multiplication of the programs for subsidizing the employment of the unemployed. The pace of the relevant programs has already tripled compared to the SYRIZA period and only for 2022 the subsidy of 86,000 jobs is foreseen by state employment agency OAED. At the same time, the programs of the Ministry of Labor “first stamp” for young people and coverage of insurance contributions for 50,000 companies when they hire unemployed people are running.
• With the further reduction of unemployment thanks to the development of the economy, as predicted by all international organizations.
• With the introduction (from June gradually) of the digital work card that will be a guarantee for the respect of the working hours and overtime of the employees.


Latest News

Demand for Short Term Rentals in Greece Surges Ahead of Easter
Among the most popular Easter destinations from Good Friday to Easter Monday are Corfu, Hydra, the Peloponnese, Ioannina, Patmos, Loutra Edipsou, Kavala, Thassos, and Pelion

Opposition Reacts Strongly to Greek Government Reshuffle
PASOK's spokesperson, Kostas Tsoukalas, characterized the reshuffle as a clear indication of Mitsotakis' "strategic deadlock."

Greece’s Economy Awaits Moody’s Verdict on Investment-Grade Rating
The stock market has reflected strong performance, with the general index showing resilience and a lack of inward-looking caution.

Greek PM Reshuffles Cabinet after No-Confidence Vote
The most notable changes in the Greek cabinet reshuffle include Kostis Hatzidakis being appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Kyriakos Pierrakakis taking over as Minister of National Economy and Finance.

Mitsotakis: Greece-Israel Strategic Ties Increase Stability in East Med
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the statement in welcoming Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to his office on Thursday

Conference Tourism in Greece Targets €6-7BLN
Currently, the Greek conference tourism generates €2 billion in revenue, ranking 47th globally in terms of total turnover in the international conference industry

Greece 2nd Last in Employment Prospects in EU: ManpowerGroup Report
Contrary to the global average, Greece’s employment prospects are strongest in the consumer goods and services sector

Greece Returns to Markets Reopening 15- and 30-Year Bonds
Pricing of the new bonds is expected to be finalized today, March 13, with settlement anticipated on March 20

Research in Greece : Wasted Talent, Missed Opportunities
The symposium made one thing clear: Greece possesses the intellectual capital to compete globally, but without decisive policy reforms, its research potential will continue to be squandered.

Greek Education Ministry to Launch Free Audiobook App eVivlio
The eVivlio app offers free access to audiobooks by Greek and international authors, narrated by well-known actors.