VLADIVOSTOK, Far East -- Unemployment in Russia's Maritime Region has doubled in the past year as cuts in defense spending take their toll on local industries, Itar-Tass reported Wednesday.


In the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok alone, about 30 state-owned industries have had mass layoffs in the past year, officials at the Maritime Employment Center said.


The job shortages are especially hurting women, the news agency said.


Unofficial unemployment, which includes people listed as working shortened shifts or on long-term unpaid vacation, has risen four to five times since 1993, the employment officials said.


Unemployment throughout Russia has been rising steadily since 1992. Figures vary widely, but the Federal Employment Service said about 5 million people were looking for work as of September.


Such figures are controversial, however, because of the high level of unofficial employment and the country's growing informal sector.