OREANDA-NEWS. July 09, 2013. We have the situation, where we can talk on positive changes in wage arrears repayment on enterprises of all forms of ownership. This was started by the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Nataliya Korolevska at a meeting of the Commission on arrears of wages, pensions, stipends and other social benefits.

Summarizing the results for the half year, Nataliya Korolevska noted a number of positive trends. "Almost a quarter (from 1826 to 1380) the number of companies with wage arrears has decreased. That is, 446 business completely eliminated debts," Nataliya Korolevska said.

Also, debt of state enterprises declined from UAH 495 million to 428.2 mln. in the last quarter.

The Minister also informed that this week the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to increase the authorized capital of  the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company up to UAH 310 mln. and UAH 30 million by the initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy will be directed to repay wage arrears. "This step will significantly reduce debts of state-owned enterprises," she stressed.

According to Nataliya Korolevska, a positive trend on wage arrears repayment also is at communal enterprises. "From the beginning of the year, debts of communal enterprises have been decreased by UAH 21.8 million or 38%. As of July 1, they were 34.9 million." the Minister informed.

However, the Minister drew attention to the fact that in some regions instead of reduction of debts from the beginning of the year the total arrears of wages in enterprises of all ownership increased.

"As of July 1, the actual debt amounted to UAH 976.3 million that by UAH 362.7 million exceed the amount provided by schedules. This suggests that the measures taken by the central and local authorities are inadequate," Nataliya Korolevska said.