New unemployment statistics to allow redistributing budgetary funds required to improve labour market situation

According to a sample survey of households, the unemployment rate in 2016 in Belarus was 5.8% of the economically active population. Meanwhile, official unemployment statistics quoted less than 1%. The difference is due to different methodology in assessing the unemployment. Official statistics only includes those officially registered on the labour exchange, excluding those searching for a job independently. The employment policy is likely to be revised, unemployment benefits are likely to grow and more funds are likely to be allocated to improve the labour market situation, including wider opportunities for retraining and self-employment. Amid further layoffs at industrial enterprises, the state is likely to oblige closing and operating enterprises to retrain laid-off workers, which would increase the financial burden on enterprises, but would reduce time needed to find a new job.