In Russia, the number of part-time workers has reached a record high since the start of the pandemic
The economic crisis in Russia is forcing large industrial enterprises to put large numbers of employees on reduced work schedules or furlough them.
According to the Central Bank of Russia’s “Regional Economy” report, by the end of 2025 the number of such workers reached 1.6 million, a record high since the strict COVID-19 restrictions of 2020.
In the past year alone, the share of hidden unemployment and furloughs has risen by 14.3%.
Russian companies are trying at all costs to avoid mass layoffs in order to retain staff, but falling demand and sky-high interest rates make it impossible to provide people with full-time work.
The most difficult situation is observed in strategic sectors: oil production, metallurgy, construction, and the automotive industry.
Companies are forced to implement anti-crisis measures due to a shortage of working capital and the inability to sell finished products.
In 2025, at least ten industrial giants in the Russian Federation officially switched to a four-day workweek or announced forced leave for their staff.
Among them was VSMPO-Avisma—the world’s largest titanium producer, which faced serious financial difficulties.
The same fate befell diamond monopoly Alrosa, as well as cement producer Cemros. Even the flagships of Russian machine building, such as AvtoVAZ, GAZ, and KamAZ, have been operating on a reduced schedule for quite some time.
The latter is currently considering the possibility of reintroducing furloughs for a significant portion of its workforce.
In Russia, telecom operators have agreed to a moratorium on expanding channels to Europe
Recall that the Russian State Duma has complained about communication problems due to the blocking of Telegram.
Amid attempts to block hostile information resources in Russia, a massive service outage occurred again on April 6, particularly affecting state-run public services.
