A whopping 72.2% of Greeks are listed as long term unemployed, according to data released by the Greek statistical services (ELSTAT). Despite a slight drop in the rate of unemployment to 23.1% in the second 3-monthly term of 2016  from 24.6% last year, the figures show that 7 in 10 Greeks have failed to find a job for over 12 months, while their situation is compounded by the fact they are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The region of Western Macedonia is the one hardest hit with 31.3% without a job, while people with no formal education have the highest rate of joblessness with 31.6%. Doctorate and post graduate degree holders (11.8%) and tertiary education graduates (17.3%) are the people least affected. From the total of the unemployed seeking work, 11.4% are exclusively looking for full time jobs, while 84% would be content with part time employment. ELSTAT reports that women are the most affected with 27.6%,compared to 19.4% of men, while the 15-24 age group is facing the toughest times as it has a 49.1% rate of unemployment.