As of the end of October, the number of registered unemployed in Estonia stood at 29,626, accounting for 4.6% of the total workforce between the ages of 16 and retirement age.
The rate of registered unemployment remained the highest in Ida-Viru County at 9.3% and Valga County at 8.5%. Unemployment was the lowest in Harju County at 3.4% and Saare County at 3.8%. Unskilled workers made up the largest part of the registered jobless who had previously worked, accounting for 23% of the total, ahead of service and sales personnel at 18% and skilled workers and craftsmen at 17%, the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund said (EUIF).
The number of persons with limited capacity for work was 9,113, making up 31% of all registered unemployed. The number of persons with limited capacity for work continued to grown in October and resulting from seasonal impacts, the number of other unemployed also slightly increased. Similarly to previous years, participation in labor market services has increased during fall months. There has been an increase in the interest in training for employees.
During the month 4,500 new offers were added to the job offers available via the EUIF. The number of the job offers added during the month was the same compared to the previous month and 6% higher compared to the October 2016. The EUIF had a total of 9,800 jobs on offer during the month. The biggest part of jobs on offer were for service and sales personnel with 24%, skilled workers and craftsmen with 21%, and unskilled workers with 20% of all jobs.
During the month, 3,800 people, including 789 persons with limited capacity for work, found employment or started a business with the help of the EUIF.
Recipients of the unemployment insurance benefit numbered 9,000 in October, making up 26% of the registered jobless. The average benefit per calendar month was EUR 449, and the sum total disbursed surpassed EUR 3.4 million. The basic unemployment allowance of EUR 151 per month was paid to 6,800 persons, 20% of the total number of registered jobless.
Layoff benefits were paid out to 395 people in October, with the average payout that month totaling EUR 2,047 and the total amount paid out exceeding EUR 847,000. The benefit in case of insolvency of the employer was awarded to 62 persons, with the average payout equaling EUR 2,264. More than EUR 220,000 was disbursed under that item overall. (ERR/Business World Magazine)