The issue of increasing unemployment benefits has not been removed from the agenda

March 4, Minsk /Elena Prus - BELTA/. The issue of increasing unemployment benefits is still on the agenda. This was stated by the First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Belarus, Petr Grushnik, today during a direct telephone line on population employment and the labor market situation, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The ministry representative acknowledged that the current average unemployment benefit is not high (Br54.3 thousand in January of this year). "The issue of strengthening social protection for citizens who have temporarily lost their jobs is under consideration," said Petr Grushnik. "And it is not yet possible to give a definitive answer." Residents from different regions of Belarus (Minsk, Vitebsk, Brest, Grodno regions) during the telephone dialogue with the First Deputy Minister not only asked their pressing questions and shared their problems but also expressed their proposals. Moreover, these proposals concerned not only employment but also social services, labor remuneration and payment of wages, and labor protection. The largest number of questions received concerned the amounts of child benefits and the prospects for their increase. Petr Grushnik noted that the lump-sum benefit for the birth of a child will double starting next year. An increase in the child care allowance for children under three years of age to 35-40% of the average wage in the republic is also planned. There is also talk of extending the prenatal leave by two weeks. "These and other significant family support measures are included in the draft National Program for Demographic Security for 2011-2015," stated Petr Grushnik. "It is expected to be adopted at the end of March this year. Then it will be possible to speak with full confidence about how demographic policy will be built, including stimulating the birth rate and supporting families with children." The First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection answered most of the questions directly during the direct telephone line. For those who need additional clarification (including to defend their point of view before an employer), he advised them to apply to the ministry in writing. "Specialists are ready to provide qualified answers to such citizen appeals," emphasized Petr Grushnik and assured that the practice of holding direct lines will continue. -0-