Employment and unemployment (quarterly)

Istat estimates that 22.9 million persons were employed in the 4^th quarter 2011, up 0.1% (+18 thousands) from the 4^th quarter 2010. The employment rate was equal to 56.9%. Unemployment reached 2.4 million (+249 thousands persons), while the unemployment rate rise to 9.6%. The inactivity rate decreased to 37%.