ANKARA
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in Turkey increased by 25 percent last year.
According to data from the Turkish Employment Organization (ISKUR) published Monday, the total payment from the country's insurance fund in 2013 was 1.272 billion lira (US$570.8 million) - up 31.7 percent on 2012.
Applications in 2013 were up 762,913 on the previous year.
Turkish employers, employees, and the state are required to make a compulsory contribution to the Unemployment Insurance Plan at rates of 2 percent, and 1 percent for both employees and the state, respective of the employee's gross salary.
Employers are able to deduct such contributions from their taxable income.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
