Portuguese pessimistic over social situation

The latest study centered on questions posed to Europeans over their social standing – in a general context, and in terms of social protection.

In both areas, Portuguese people polled highlighted their discontent over the cost of living – particularly vis-à-vis energy costs, and added to this concern over the gradual increase in unemployment and low levels of retirement benefit.

Just like other Europeans, the Portuguese consider unemployment levels to have increased over the last few years, and are pessimistic regarding the future for the labour market in 2011.

The new study also shows that in 2006, the percentage of Portuguese between the ages of 25 and 59 at risk of poverty – without work, but receiving some form of subsidy – was the 7th lowest in the EU (then with 25 member-states).