Increasing the number of recipients of unemployment benefit
| 26 January 2015 |
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| Question for written answer to the Commission Rule 130 Notis Marias (ECR) |
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As a result of the tough ‘Memorandum’ policies pursued in recent years in Greece by successive Greek governments and the Troika, the Greek people have been reduced to poverty and vast numbers of people have become unemployed.
Specifically, in October 2014 the unemployment rate in the country hit 25.8%.
According to data from the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED), the total number of registered unemployed (job seekers) in November 2014 was 854 517.
Of these unemployed persons, 450 809 (52.76%) have been registered with the OAED for a period equal to or greater than 12 months.
But the total number of unemployed persons receiving unemployment benefits in the same period was only 14% of the registered unemployed.
This means that more than 700 000 unemployed persons do not receive any help whatsoever from the State in order to survive.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
What immediate steps will it take to increase substantially the number of unemployed entitled to receive unemployment benefits through the OAED?
Source: European Parliament
Answer given by Mr Moscovici on behalf of the Commission
The Greek Government is responsible for the legislation and conditions of eligibility for unemployment benefits, and has implemented a number of key policies aimed at the unemployed in the context of the economic adjustment programme. These include:
| — | broadening eligibility to means-tested unemployment assistance benefit aimed at the long-term unemployed in late 2013, also enabling previously self-employed workers that are unemployed to claim benefits for the first time. |
| — | a social works programme benefiting 50 000 long-term unemployed, in 2013-14, with a further scheme planned for 2015. |
| — | a series of subsidised internships (‘voucher schemes’) in 2013 to provide training and job experience for 45 000 young people. |
| — | the reform of the public employment service (OAED) to better help the unemployed in finding their way back to paid jobs. |
| — | addressing the unemployment trap for the long-term unemployed, caused by the previous structure of maturity allowances that added up to a maximum of 30% over the minimum wage and that were not adjusted to take into account the unemployment situation in April 2014. |
| — | 13 pilots for a guaranteed minimum income scheme started in November 2014, with a view to a country-wide rollout of the scheme. These schemes will ensure a comprehensive social safety net for the unemployed and other people affected by poverty. |
As regards support, the Commission is providing financial support through the European Structural and Investment Funds, notably through the European Social Fund. In the period 2014-2020 EUR 3 862 511 049 will co-finance the implementation of employment and social policies, including active labour market policies(1).
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Source: European Parliament
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