Social programs

As of September 2018, youth unemployment in Turkey stands at 19.4%, a very high ratio by any standard. Youth unemployment is a very serious issue with broad consequences, ranging from the loss of young talents to a skills crisis, from social security issues to social harmony matters.

The unemployment rate was 3.48pct at the end of June, at the same level as in the previous month, for the second consecutive month being the lowest value of the unemployment rate in the last 26 years, according to the data released on Monday by the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM).

Compared to June of the previous year, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.69 percentage points.

Healthgrouper, a health service research NGO, has called on the Macedonian government to reconsider its plan to scrap charges for hospital stays from the start of next year start, arguing that this could cause negative consequences for the public health system.

For salaried workers to bring home 1,500 euros per month net on a 12-month basis, or 18,000 euros per year not including holiday bonuses, their employers need to pay 2,610 euros a month or over 31,300 euros a year, given Greece's particularly high taxes and social security contributions.

The average insurance income for the country for February is BGN 860.14, the National Social Security Institute reports.

The average monthly insurance income for the period from 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018 is BGN 832,60.

The planned amendment to the European Union directive on the coordination of member-states' social security systems is likely to result in reduced access to social handouts such as unemployment and housing benefits for hundreds of thousands of Greeks as well as millions of EU citizens who seek employment opportunities in another member-state.

Almost four in 10 Turkish young employees between the ages of 15 and 24 are working without social security coverage, while 18 percent of all workers are have no social security coverage, according to a new survey.

The average insured income for the country in November 2017 is BGN 851.25, the National Statistical Institute reported.

The average monthly insurance income for the country for the period from 01.12.2016 to 30.11.2017 is BGN 815.96.

Guaranteed minimum income will rise to BGN 75 from January 1, 2018, the government decided, reported BGNES.

The new size is BGN 10  more than it is at present. The aim is to improve the social protection system of the most vulnerable groups.

The National Tripartite Cooperation Council will discuss the minimum wage for 2018, unemployment benefits, and changes to the Pensions and Insurances Act.

An increase in the minimum wage from 460 to 510 leva foresees the budget for the next year. The increase in the minimum insurance income will be 3.9%.

Businesses are opposed to the increase, trade unions define it as low.