Tymoshenko calls for early VAT reimbursement to certain enterprises to pay wage arrears

Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko has ordered a scheme to be drawn up so that early VAT reimbursements can be made to a number of enterprises in order for them to pay wage arrears to their employees, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

Tymoshenko called for the scheme at a conference call with the heads of Ukrainian regions on Tuesday.

"We will reimburse VAT ahead of time to enterprises that have arrears of wages and VAT debts. For this purpose, the enterprises will open a special account in the treasury," she said.

Tymoshenko noted disturbing figures in wage arrears at enterprises of all forms of ownership. She said that at present the total debt for wages was UAH 1.223 billion. According to Tymoshenko, from January 1 until March 1, the wage debt grew by 9%. The debt rose in 18 regions, and the largest debt growth was observed in Kyiv (45%).