The unemployment rate in Slovakia stood at 9.44 percent in July, Labor, Social Affairs and the Family Minister Jan Richter announced Friday.

The figure represents a decrease of 0.01 percentage points (p.p.) month-on-month and a drop of 2.02 p.p. year-on-year, the minister told a press conference.

Unemployment declined in five regions, with the most significant fall recorded in Banska Bystrica region in Central Slovakia. Among all 79 districts in Slovakia the unemployment rate went down in 41 and rose in 38.

Richter noted that the unemployment rate in Slovakia stands below the 11-percent threshold.

"The figures are comparable with those recorded in 2008," said Richter, referring to pre-crisis times.

According to the labor minister, in terms of unemployment, Slovakia stands also below the eurozone average.

"We've manage to overtake countries such as France and Lithuania," stressed Richter, adding that his ambition is to continue decreasing long-term unemployment.

Source : XINHUA