Macedonian Labour and Welfare Minister Dime Spasov was in Prilep on Wednesday, for the launch of work to reconstruct the Welfare Center in this city. The reconstruction of the center that meets a number of needs for the citizens of Prilep is partly financed by the World Bank, and is expected to cost 8 million denars (130.000 EUR).

"We have finalized the first phase of our program and completely restored four centers across Macedonia. In the second stage we will work on seven centers, including the one in Prilep. The two in Demir Hisar and Krusevo are already completely reconstructed, and work will soon begin in Stip and Gevgelija", Spasov said.

Reconstruction of facilities operated by the Ministry will continue with work on day-centers for children with disabilities, which will partly be funded by European Union IPA programs, and partly through the World Bank.

Speaking to the press, Minister Spasov said that so far 190 people from Prilep have been employed under the new Employing Macedonia program for breaks on the significant taxes that apply to salaries. The program allows companies who hire people from a long list of vulnerable categories during the next year to avoid paying their welfare taxes for between three and five years.

"We expect the number of newly employed to grow over the summer, and significantly so since October. These are noticeable benefits for private companies who we encourage to open new jobs. Companies can save costs that amount to between 27 and 30 percent of the average gross over a number of years when they hire people through this program", Minister Spasov said.