The number of minimum wage (RSI) beneficiaries in the Azores is substantially lower compared to1999, revealed the Regional Secretary for Labour and Social Solidarity today.

According to Ana Paula Marques, despite the adverse international context , there are currently 18,283 beneficiaries in the Azores compared to the 27,666 registered beneficiaries in 1999.

Even so, said the government official , the situation in the archipelago is better than the rest of the country, despite the rising unemployment.

There are 41 unemployed in the Azores per 1000 inhabitants, 67 in Mainland Portugal and 80 in Madeira, revealed Ana Paula Marques.

Despite everything, the Regional Government has "active measures" put into practice in order to support the unemployed, said the Secretary of Labour and Social Solidarity. The Government is aware that if there is less money in the economy and if middle class workers no longer receive holiday and Christmas bonuses, there will be more people facing difficulties.

Taking into account this reality, the Government created the Social Compensation Fund last year to support needy families by increasing family allowance and the regional supplementary pension by 10%.