WM: Unemployment rate in Latvia might increase

  • 2012-01-19

RIGA - After the unemployment rate is recalculated, based on the latest population census data, the rate could be up to one percentage point higher than now, Welfare Ministry's Labor Department Director Imants Lipskis told LETA.

According to the State Employment Agency's data, the unemployment level in Latvia is currently 11.6 percent; after recalculated, the unemployment level could be over 12 percent, believes Lipskis. The unemployment rate will only be revised after the Central Statistical Bureau presents the official number of economically active residents in Latvia.

It is clear that the revised unemployment rate will be higher, but the actual number of jobseekers registered with the Employment Agency will not change, therefore the current employment policy will be continued, as it is aimed at reducing the number of unemployed in the country.

The Welfare Ministry could also revise the unemployment projection for this year, which is currently at 10.1 percent, but this will depend on the Statistical Bureau's data.