Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan met with business representatives at the "Turkey's Century Working Life Meetings" program held in Karabük. While explaining policies to boost production and employment, Işıkhan gave significant figures regarding financial support provided to the manufacturing sector.
6.7 billion lira in support provided
Minister Işıkhan announced supports for businesses operating in the manufacturing sector under the "Credit Financing and Employment Protection Program for the Manufacturing Industry," launched at the beginning of 2026. "As a ministry, we provided approximately 6.7 billion lira in support for 922,537 insured workers employed in the manufacturing sector during April, May, and June," said Işıkhan, adding that a total of 51 billion lira will be paid to businesses that preserve employment by year-end.
Stating that the program covers businesses in the textile group and furniture manufacturing, Işıkhan said that in 2026, firms maintaining their insured workforce will receive 3,500 lira per employee per month. Noting that a similar support package is being prepared for the tourism sector, Işıkhan said, "We will soon submit our draft law to our Parliament."
Employment data for Karabük
Emphasizing Karabük's industrial history and production potential, Minister Işıkhan noted that the city's employment rate reached 47.5 percent, while the unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent. He highlighted that 27 percent of employment is in industry, underscoring Karabük's manufacturing character. Through İŞKUR, only 359 people were placed in jobs in 2002, but this number rose to 4,225 in 2025 — Işıkhan said that a total of 66,681 citizens have been brought into employment via İŞKUR since 2002.
Işıkhan stated that the number of active insured workers increased from 36,297 in 2002 to 68,127 today, assessing that this 88 percent rise indicates strengthened registered employment. He added that incentives exceeding 2.5 billion lira have been provided to 5,643 businesses in Karabük to date.
"Strong economy is possible with strong production"
In his speech, Minister Işıkhan emphasized the importance of production and the business world, saying, "A strong economy is possible with strong production, and strong production is possible with a strong business world." He stated that they will continue reforms in line with the Turkey's Century vision, and that the public and private sectors working shoulder to shoulder toward the same goal is the most important condition for development.
