Around 150,000 jobs were created in Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2007, which exceeds the forecasted figure by 21%, Uzbek State Statistics Committee said.

The employment rate in the country increased by 3.2% over the year, and reached 10.4 million people. The employment of those who turned to employment agencies for help increased to 83%, the Committee said.

The economic growth and measures being taken to raise the salaries, and integrate advanced systems of remuneration and financial stimulation of staff in the sectors of education and healthcare, as well as small business, led to the increase in the real income of the population of 21.3%. Average wage grew by 47.4%.

As a result of stimulation of cattle-breeding in private yards and farms, workbooks were issued to 31,300 people, of whom 25,600 have signed contracts with the Pension fund, the committee added.

In the first quarter of 2007, some 37,100 people were engaged in different forms of home-based labour. This is approximately 25% of the new jobs created in the reporting period. The development of home-based labour through the signing of labour contracts with large industrial producers provided jobs to some 8,800 people. Moreover, around 13,100 jobs were created through the establishment of family businesses.

The government continued its efforts on social protection and support of vulnerable groups of population. In the reporting period citizens’ self-government bodies issued allowances and financial support to around 520,000 needy families, including allowances to families with children under working age – over 360,000, financial aid – 67,000, allowances to unemployed mothers (childcare allowance) – 93,000 women.

In the framework of "The Year of Social Protection" State Programme, 13,400 needy families and families with many children received cattle worth the total of over 5.5 billion soums for free. Micro-credits for the total of over 2.9 billion soums were issued to 3,400 needy families from the Employment Assistance Fund. Total of 1,472 jobs were created for people with disabilities, including 1,160 – through organization of home-based labour. Some 26,000 singles and 121,000 needy families received financial assistance from sponsor funds.