Greek unemployment rate hit record high in May

Greece's unemployment rate hit another record high in May 2013 of 27.6%, according to the country's statistics body. The figure, from the Hellenic Statistics Authority, compared with a jobless rate of 23.8% in May 2012.

The news emerged ahead of a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and US President Barack Obama in Washington. At the meeting, Mr Obama commended the Greek government for taking steps to reduce its debt pile. But he urged Mr Samaras to balance austerity with measures to promote growth and boost jobs.