Algeria to decrease unemployment rate

14/05/2006

[File] Louh

Algerian Minister of Labour and Social Security Tayeb Louh said Saturday (13 May) on ENTV that the unemployment rate in Algeria will drop from 15 per cent to 10 per cent by 2009, thanks to reforms the government has undertaken in relation to the labour market. Asked about purchasing power and the wage increase, he affirmed that the issues will top the discussions of a September meeting between the government, the General Union of Algerian Workers and employers and "will have to be examined according to the social ambitions and needs of the national economy". Louh added that the public administration bill currently under development will allow "deep reforms," particularly regarding laws governing the labour market and the improvement of purchasing power of citizens. (El Moudjahid)