Despite moderate signs of recovery across many OECD countries in 2014, Greece still demonstrates a persistently high 27% unemployment rate, stuck as close as to its highest level since the beginning of the economic crisis. According to the latest OECD report, Greece holds one of the highest shares of long-term unemployment among OECD economies, with the figures stretching up from 49% to 71% between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2014. The report characterizes this trend as “particularly alarming”. “This could have a visible impact on the long-term career prospects of those experiencing long periods of unemployment”, says the report.
As to the private sector, Greece presents one of the biggest drops in real wages across OECD countries, more than 5% per year on average since the first quarter or 2009.
In regard to labour market security and quality of working environment, Greece is ranked near the bottom of the OECD table, at the 31st place.