Greece unemployment hits highest rate in European Union

The latest unemployment rate for Greece has risen to 26.8%, the highest figure recorded in the European Union (EU).

The official Greek data for October sees Greece overtake Spain as the country with the highest unemployment rate in Europe.

The Greek economy remains mired in recession and the government is in the process of imposing significant austerity measures.

Athens is cutting spending to meet the terms of its financial bailouts.

So far, the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission have pledged a total of 240bn euros ($315bn; £196bn) in rescue loans, of which Greece has received more than two thirds.

The Greek government required the bailouts because it was struggling to meet the interest payments on its existing debts.

The BBC's Athens correspondent, Mark Lowen, said: "Greeks blame austerity for the rise, with the number of jobless more than doubling since the country was first bailed out in 2010.

"And with more spending cuts this year, many predict the rate will soon hit 30%."