According to data published by EL.STAT (the Hellenic Statistical Authority), the officially unemployed reached 14.8% in December 2010, up by an entire percentage point in a single month. Unemployment in the age range of 15-24 increased from 28.9% to 39% since December 2009.

The Ionian islands are the worse-hit region in the country, with unemployment overall reaching 23.1%, largely due to the fall of tourist activity.

The figures already contradict the “optimistic” predictions of the IMF and the Greek government, according to which unemployment would not exceed 14.5% until the end of 2011 and would only hit the 15% mark by the following year.

EL.STAT press release (in Greek)