ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - Since a short-term seasonal decrease, the number of jobless persons in Croatia has again been climbing substantially for three consecutive months, and 360,000 Croatians were on the dole in the end of
September.
ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - Since a short-term seasonal decrease, the
number of jobless persons in Croatia has again been climbing
substantially for three consecutive months, and 360,000 Croatians
were on the dole in the end of September.#L#
According to some forecasts, or assessments heard in recent days in
the national parliament, the number of unemployed persons could
reach record 380,000 at the end of 2000, with the unemployment rate
of 22.5 percent.
The national Employment Office registered 359,921 jobless persons
at the end of this September with an increase of 2.9 percent as
against August or even 10.2 percent as against September in 1999.
In September, 10,000 people came to the Office in search of jobs,
and the last month had the highest increase in the number of jobless
compared to other months this year.
When those on the dole are added to over 966,000 pensioners, the sum
of the unemployed and pension holders has almost reached the figure
of the employed persons in the country.
According to the latest available data, 1,335,326 people had jobs
in Croatia in August.
The issue of unemployment is likely to come to a head soon,
regarding announcements of bankruptcy procedures for some firms
and layoffs.
A jobless rate, which is currently near 21 percent in Croatia, is a
key indicator for the success of a country's macro-economic
policy.
Therefore, it is of primary importance to stimulate creation of new
jobs. One of things that instil hope is the real rise of 3.7 percent
in the Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter this year. The
right solutions, however, for the employment are to ensue.
(hina) ms