Cyprus Government plans to combat unemployment announced

Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Zeta Emilianidou announced the implementation of three projects for 8.000 unemployed.

Speaking at a press conference, Emilianidou said the projects are co-funded by the EU and concern European citizens, including Cypriots, but expressed hope that more Cypriots will be employed.

According to government statistics, in April 2013 the number of registered unemployed reached 45,000, of which 33,500 were Greek Cypriots.

"The government aim is to provide employment for as many Cypriots as possible. There are too many registered unemployed. Statistics record a great number of unemployed Cypriots. Everyone’s collaboration is needed to help our compatriots find jobs, "she said.

Emilianidou noted that unemployment affects all ages, but in particular young people.

"We have too many young people out of work, graduates and non-graduates", she pointed out, adding that more measures will be announced at a later stage.

The three measures include 1. a grants’ scheme for job integration with flexible hours/days, (the target is to employ 1,000 people, with 6.8 million euro budget), b) a sponsored plan to employ 6,000 unemployed in the hotel, food and general tourism industry (20 million euro budget) and 3. stagiaire programs for unemployed graduates (under 35 years) to gain work experience, (1,000 unemployed, 4 million euro budget).

Cyprus recorded in March the second highest unemployment increase in the EU.

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, compared with March 2012, the unemployment rate increased in nineteen member states and fell in eight.