Employment and unemployment (quarterly)

Istat estimates that 22,2 million persons were employed in the 1^st quarter 2014, down 0,9% (-211  thousands) from 1^st quarter 2013. The employment rate decreased to 55.1%. Unemployment rise to 3.5 million (+212 thousands persons), while the unemployment rate increased to 13.6%. The inactivity rate slightly decreased to 36.1%.