SLOVAKS are much more pessimistic about their future than people in neighbouring countries or the EU15 states, according to the results of a quality of life poll released November 11.
As few as 6 percent of Slovaks were found to be optimistic about their future, which is three times less than in the Czech Republic or in the old EU states, TASR news agency wrote.
The survey was carried out on 26,0000 respondents last year by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. It surveyed adults in the EU member states as well as three associate-member states - Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, Hubert Krieger, head of the project, told reporters.
"The most pessimistic people in Slovakia were found to be the unemployed, the lower educated and 55-60 year-olds," said Krieger.
As for employment and working conditions, workers in the new EU countries are working 43-45 hours a week on average, five hours more than workers in the EU15. One in 10 Slovaks judged working conditions as bad, while in the EU15 it is only 4 percent.
Nineteen percent of Slovaks are very worried about losing their jobs, compared with 16 percent of Czechs and 18 percent of Poles.
"The survey mirrors the actual labour market situation," Krieger said.
Compiled by Martina Jurinová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
