Number of unemployed in Romania exceeds 625,000 in September, data show

Such a high number of unemployed was last reached in April 2004, when 661,895 people were counted without a job.

The unemployment rate stood at 6.6 percent in August and at 3.9 percent in September last year. 

The highest jobless rate was recorded in Mehedinti county, of 12.8 percent, while the smallest was seen in Bucharest, of only 2 percent. 

ANOFM director, Eugen Preda, told NewsIn at the end of September the number of jobless people could increase to 725,000 – 750,000 by year-end, as the unemployment rate will get closer to 8 percent and could continue growing in the first quarter of 2010 as well. 

He said the jobless rate will continue advancing in the first trimester next year as the economy will still reduce, but mentioned he cannot estimate whether it will reach 9 percent at the end of March 2010.

The official also told NewsIn the main sectors affected by the financial turmoil, also reflected on the employees, are constructions, long-term goods and current use goods.