KIEV, Dec. 22 - Consumer confidence in Ukraine in November 2010 worsened, according to the International Centre for Policy Studies (ICPS), citing the results of a consumer confidence survey conducted as part of a joint project with GfK Ukraine.

"Consumer confidence of Ukrainian citizens in November 2010 was under the pressure of government's plans to adopt the Tax Code, which would have considerably increased the tax burden on small and medium businesses. This could have meant the loss of incomes of jobs for many Ukrainians," said ICPS Deputy Director Maksym Boroda.

He said that the retaining of the single tax system in the final document gives grounds for consumer confidence to improve in December 2010.

The ICPS said that in November the consumer confidence index fell by 2.2 notches, to 78.3.

"Expectations of Ukrainians regarding the pace of the unemployment rate added 2.2 notches, although they are at a rather moderate level of 121.7. Inflation expectations improved on the contrary," reads the release.

In Ukraine, the Consumer Confidence Index is determined through a random survey of domestic households. The poll involves 1,000 individuals aged 15-59.

GfK Ukraine is a Ukrainian research company, offering a comprehensive range of survey services and market research in Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. GfK Ukraine is a member of the worldwide GfK Group, which is the No. 4 market research organization worldwide. The Group has 115 companies covering over 100 countries.

The International Centre for Policy Studies is an independent research organization whose mission is to introduce public policy concepts and procedures in Ukraine. ICPS focuses on key programs of importance for the reform efforts of the Ukrainian government. (om/ez)