Putin says Russia to keep supporting jobless, situation tense

MOSCOW, Sep 10 (PRIME) -- The Russian government had to continue target measures to support the jobless as the unemployment rate exceeds 6% of economically active population, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"Let me remind you that these measures were initially planned as temporary, with a limited timespan of action. But I emphasize that the situation on the labor market remains tense. We need to continue targeted support of the people who found themselves in a difficult situation and have not found a job. I am waiting for your proposals, dear colleagues, on how this help will be organized in future," Putin said.

The goal of the Russian government is to cut unemployment to 4.7%, the figure of 2019, by the end of 2021, he said. 

He added that the earlier measures prevented a deeper decline of the economy, and the gross domestic product (GDP) fell less than in other countries. 

Putin said that recovery of the Russian economy is registered but business activity resumption is uneven.

"Consumer activity is growing, the important figures such as electric power consumption and cargo traffic by rail are gradually returning to last year’s figures," Putin said. "Yes, indeed, business activity recovery is uneven, this is true."

He also said that the measures Russia is taking must become a basis for future changes of the economy.

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