Unemployment in Greece remains stuck near record highs, but even many of those with a job are struggling financially. <br /><br />Newly released figures show nearly 30 percent of workers in the private sector are earning less that 600 euros a month.<br /><br />Theodoros Anastasopoulos left university three years ago, but the only job he can get is as a public opinion pollster: <br /><br />He told euronews: “Two years after I completed my studies, I found this part-time job which pays me 250 to 300 euros a month. Obviously, I cannot afford to rent anywhere to live, I stay with my mother and my sister and the money we make covers only the food, utility bills and taxes.” <br /><br />The Greek Labour Ministry says there are 1,371,450 people employed by private companies in the country. <br /><br />Twenty percent of them – 274,000 – earn less that 500 euros a month, mostly working part time. Another eight percent – that’s 100,000 people – have a monthly income of 500 to 600 euros. <br /><br />Most of the rest earn between 1,000 and 2,000 euros. Labour costs have fallen as unemployment has been rising. <br /><br />Anna Hatzioannidou told us: “I finished my architecture studies a year ago. I have sent out over 100 CVs, I have only had a couple of job interviews. Now, I work as a part time photographer, taking pictures at night clubs and bars, for 240 euros per month.”<br /><br />Dramatically lower wages have not meant more people in work. <br /><br />In September unemployment inched up to 27.4 percent of the workforce from 27.3 percent in the previous two months. Almost 52 percent of young people are without a job.<br /><br />Euronews reporter in Athens Symela Touchtidou said: “Even when people are poorly paid, often it takes a long time for them to get their money. Research by the Greek Confederation of Trade Unions shows nearly half of all companies are paying wages at least one month late.”
