Employment and unemployment (quarterly)

Istat estimates that 22,4 million persons were employed in the 1^st quarter 2013, down 1,8% (-410 thousands) from 1^st quarter 2012. The employment rate decreased to 55.5%. Unemployment rise to 3.3 million (+475 thousands persons), while the unemployment rate increased to 12.8%. The inactivity rate decreased to 36.2%.