Poland's unemployment rate lowest in 6 years

Unemployment fell again last month, this time by 0.2 percent. The results are encouraging, but what are the chances for further improvement?

The situation on the Polish labor market has further improved with the unemployment rate standing at 15.5% at the end of August. This marks a 0.2% drop on the previous month and a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period last year. Presenting the findings, deputy head of the Central Office of Statistics Halina Dmochowska said the analysis has shown some very encouraging patterns.

' The good news is that the biggest fall in figures has been registered in those regions which are troubled with the most numerous groups of jobless.'

She also pointed to the lowered rate of persons with an extended period of unemployment and a decrease in job seekers in the under 25-age bracket. Unfortunately, there have been some negatives as well.

' The bad news concerns a rise in the number of older persons, mostly above 50 years of age. Those are the people who stand a far lesser chance of extricating themselves from the ranks of unemployed.'

This continual registered decrease in the unemployment rate in Poland is directly attributed by many to the country's favorable economic performance. Adam Ambrozik, an expert from the Confederation of Polish Employers, agrees only to a certain extent.

' There are two reasons for this. The first is economic growth, which is the highest in the last few years. Secondly, the unemployment rate in the next few months could rise a little bit as we have approached autumn and the end of seasonal work (in agriculture).'

Although the lowest in six years, Poland still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the EU. What's worse, the percentage of gainfully employed in the so-called labor, or production age bracket places it at the very bottom of the list. What can, or must be done to change this situation? Adam Ambrozik says entrepreneurs must be given a more liberal environment.

' We are waiting for a reform of the financial system and the entire environment of enterprises. Their lack, or delay may have very negative influence on the whole country. If the government will not undertake any reforms (in this sphere) we cannot create new work places.'

Though the situation on its labor scene has been improving considerably, Poland continues to be one of the most unemployment ridden EU members. And the latest move of labor minister Anna Kalata, who has resigned from her post over political squabbles in the government coalition will not help find better solutions for the problem. The statistical news is generally good, but Polish job seekers and their potential employers are definitely counting on more.
Source: By Slawek Szefs, polskieradio.pl