Employment and unemployment (quarterly)

Istat estimates that 22.9 million persons were employed in the 3rd quarter 2011, up 0.7% (+159 thousands) from the 3rd quarter 2010. The employment rate increased to 56.9%. Unemployment reached 1.9 million (+36 thousands persons), while the unemployment rate remained stable at 7.6%. The inactivity rate decreased to 38.3%.