Unemployment in Cyprus

A very negative element in Cyprus, beyond the level of unemployment is the existence now of high long-term unemployment.
In 2015 the percentage of people who are unemployed for more than six months rose to 63.4% of the total. About 2 to 3 or namely 40 412 people. They remain at the same high levels of 2014 where the rate was 65.8% and to 45 790 numbers. Unemployed young people, unemployment is at 30.5% with the data relating to December 2015. This figure places us in fifth worst place in the European Union. The long-term unemployed and young unemployed need support, protection and especially policies that will help to find again quality and decent work.
To address a problem, it must first be recognized. Here lies the problem with the Government Anastasiadi- Alarm. They refuse to see that there is a problem with the long-term unemployed. They insist on living in their own world, with the illusion that the long-term unemployed are few or completely satisfied with the crumbs of the Guaranteed Minimum Income and this of course if they receive.
As AKEL, we suggest specific measures to be addressed to some extent the great difficulties that brought the recession and the austerity policies in the long-term unemployed and young unemployed. We recommend:
· Increasing unemployment benefit payment period of six months at present to nine months.
· Amendment of the unemployment benefit reception conditions. Aim to facilitate young people enrolled unemployed and who, due to prolonged unemployment could not have contributions to the social security system.
· Reduction of the work period for acquiring right of unemployment benefits from 26 weeks today.
· Preparation of special social project to support long-term unemployed and unemployed young people who are outside of the Guaranteed Minimum Income-making criteria.
The plan provides in particular for reducing or exempting them from duties and taxes (eg fees in government hospitals, municipal taxes, property taxes, etc. road tax) subsidy based on family income in that concerning alimony in day care – vrefokomikous stations, protection centers and creative employment of children, tuition at state training institutes, public transport as well as the cost of providing basic commodities, electricity, telecommunications, water.
I also recall the amendments tabled in the House when mooted the introduction of medical fees at hospitals. Then we asked exceptions included and the unemployed. Finally, as AKEL, we stressed on many occasions the need for a national strategy on the management of hydrocarbons.
We indicated the necessity to raise labor force Cypriots to be drawn on the subject. Also in investments in the gas sector to be a condition that the taking of any project the new posts will be covered by resources that are registered in the Public Employment Service.
These proposals constitute direct policy measures. The real solution to the problem of long term unemployment requires active economic policy to increase public and private investment, will create permanent, complete and quality jobs and counter income inequality today is in dramatic growth path.