The number of unemployed registered at Azorean employment centres in the month of April is the lowest of the last 28 months, said the Vice-President of the Government today in Angra do Heroísmo.

Sérgio Ávila spoke at the closing session of the 3rd Regional Meeting of Azorean Villages, stressing that it is also the "lowest figure, regarding the same month of last year, for 12 consecutive months."

According to the Vice-President, this improvement is clearly the result of the "work we have all done." In this context, the government official highlighted the role played by the municipal authorities and village councils, among other institutions, in the implementation of employment programmes created by the Azorean Government.

"This is not an effort that is simply limited to intentions; it is a real effort," Sérgio Ávila stressed, noting that this effort is grounded on a "very wide range of programmes to support employment creation."

Sergio Avila also pointed out that the Regional Government will invest this year nearly 52 million Euros "in all active employment creation policies," which corresponds to "almost three times more the normal pattern of investment."

The Vice-President stressed that "there is still a very long path to overcome this challenge." Nevertheless, he expressed his satisfaction with the results that have been achieved with the commitment of all parties involved.