ATHENS — The national statistical service's (ELSTAT) data showing that unemployment in March was 14.4 pct is optimistic and positive news for the retention of jobs and the job market's stability, Labor Minister Yiannis Vroutsis said on Thursday.

Speaking in Parliament, Vroutsis defended the ministry's amendment to have the state cover 60 pct of insurance payments betwen June 15 and July 31 for workers under the Syn-Ergasia program that supports companies affected by the pandemic. "Unemployment continues its strong drop during the deep crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, and this could only be seen as a positive and optimistic message," he said.