More than 7000 unemployed have been looking for work for four years or longer 0 10

Overall, according to the Central Statistical Bureau, at the end of September last year, there were 66,200 unemployed people in Latvia. The majority of them — 10,100 individuals — had been looking for work for one to two years. Another 9,800 had been searching for six to eleven months.

The status of registered unemployed means that a person is officially recognized as not having a job and is seeking one. In this status, the unemployed person is required to carry out a number of activities established by the State Employment Agency to find work. The unemployed have the opportunity to receive a scholarship during professional training, retraining, upskilling, as well as during informal education. Career counseling is also available.

Unemployment benefits can be received for no longer than eight months. The amount of the benefit depends on the insurance record and the salary from which contributions were paid.