Labor Minister expects stable unemployment rate, despite public sector restructuring

The unemployment level in Romania should stay at a stable rate towards the end of the year, said Romanian Labor Minister Mihai Seitan. “I don't expect an increase to a level higher than what it was in December lats year – 8.3 or 8.1. I can't give specific numbers, but anyway, it won't be higher than the level at the end of last year,” said Seitan. Unemployment has been dropping in the past four months, which could however be connected to the fact that more people find jobs during the summer. “The restructuring in the public sector will definitely lead to a gradual increase in unemployment starting September – October, when these measures will be applied,” he further said. Seitan also said he doesn't think Romania will have one million officially unemployed people.