Figures released this week by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), showed contributions had fallen by just under 1 percent since the year 2000 in member countries, but that the tax and social security burden on single, childless workers in Portugal had climbed to 41.2 percent, almost four percent higher than other members. Portugal was also placed 11th in terms of the heaviest tax and social security burdens on workers.
In related news, the OECD also revealed this week that of the 34 counties that it comprises, Portugal has one of the highest youth unemployment rates.
According to the organisation, in February Portugal had the fourth highest rate of youth unemployment of its members, sitting at 14.3 percent, which is nonetheless the lowest it has been since 2008.
The organisation said the number of unemployed youths is still exceptionally high in a number of European countries, including Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy.