kathimerini.gr
Greek Job Market Shows Record High Despite July Dip
Despite a July job loss of 20,729, Greece recorded a total of 319,843 new jobs between January and July 2025, the highest number since 2001, driven by spring hiring in tourism and hospitality.
- What is the overall impact of the spring hiring on the Greek job market?
- The mass hiring in the spring successfully met the increased needs of tourism and hospitality businesses. This resulted in a record 319,843 new jobs from January to July 2025, exceeding the previous year's total by 15,614.
- What are the potential implications of the shift toward flexible work arrangements observed in July?
- While 51.34% of July's 292,270 hires were full-time, a significant 48.66% were flexible (part-time or on-call). This growing reliance on flexible work arrangements might indicate evolving employment patterns and require further attention to worker security and benefits.
- Which demographics were most affected by the July job losses, and what broader trends do these losses reveal?
- July saw 20,729 job losses, primarily affecting those over 25 (–48,430 jobs), especially women (–22,858 jobs). This highlights ongoing challenges integrating older workers, particularly women, into the workforce, despite overall positive job growth.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a mixed picture of the employment situation, highlighting both the record number of new jobs created in the first seven months and the job losses in July. While the headline or introduction isn't explicitly biased, the emphasis on the overall positive trend of 319,843 new jobs could overshadow the significant job losses in July, particularly among older workers and women. The sequencing, presenting the positive overall figure before detailing the July losses, might also shape reader interpretation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, presenting statistical data without overtly charged terms. However, phrases such as "'σώζουν' το φετινό καλοκαίρι" (save the summer) and "καθησυχαστική κατάσταση" (reassuring situation) carry a slightly positive connotation. The description of the government's focus on older workers and women as "στόχους" (targets) might be interpreted as slightly negative, though it's a factual description of the government's aims.
Bias by Omission
The article lacks information on the specific sectors experiencing job losses beyond mentioning tourism and hospitality in the context of the spring hiring spree. The reasons behind the job losses are not fully explored, leaving the reader with an incomplete understanding of the contributing factors. Additionally, the article doesn't discuss any potential government policies or interventions to mitigate the job losses in July or address the disproportionate impact on older workers and women. Considering the length and scope, this omission is understandable, but additional context would be beneficial.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy in a strict sense. It acknowledges both positive and negative aspects of the employment data. However, the emphasis on the overall positive figure of 319,843 new jobs might unintentionally create a perception that the July job losses are insignificant compared to the larger picture. This simplification may not fully represent the complexity of the situation.
Gender Bias
The article highlights the disproportionate impact of job losses on women, noting 22,858 lost jobs compared to a gain of 2,129 for men. This is a valuable observation. However, the article doesn't delve into the underlying reasons for this gender disparity, which could reveal deeper systemic biases. More analysis on the types of jobs lost by women and the reasons behind the difference would improve gender balance in the reporting.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a net increase of 319,843 new jobs in the seven months from January to July 2025, despite job losses in July. This directly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The creation of new jobs, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors, boosts economic activity and improves employment opportunities. However, the data also reveals concerning trends, such as job losses among older workers and women, which partially offset the positive impact.