Employment and unemployment - March 2026

In March 2026 the number of employed and unemployed people decreased, while the number of inactive people increased.

On a monthly basis, employment fell (-0.1%, -12 thousand) for women and in the 15-24 and 50+ age groups, while it grew for men and those aged 25-49. Overall, the employment rate remained unchanged at 62.4%.

In the last month, the drop in the number of unemployed people (-2.8%, -38 thousand) affected both sexes and all age groups except for those aged 15-24, for whom unemployment slightly grew. The unemployment rate declined to 5.2% (-0.1 p.p.), while the youth rate climbed to 18.1% (+0.6 p.p.).

In March, the increase in the number of inactive people aged 15-64 (+0.4%, +46 thousand) affected both sexes and the 15-24 and 50+ age groups, while it remained stable for those aged 25-34 and decreased for those aged 35-49. The inactivity rate grew to 34.1%.

In the first 2026 quarter (January-March 2026), with respect to the previous one (October-December 2025), employment rose (+0.1%, +28 thousand).

On a quarterly basis, a drop was registered in the number of unemployed persons (-7.9%, -114 thousand) while the number of inactive people aged 15-64 increased (+0.9%, +108 thousand).

Compared with March 2025, the number of employed persons decreased (-0.1%, -30 thousand); the drop affected both sexes, the 15-24 and 35-49 age groups, while employment increased among those aged 50+ and was substantially stable for those aged 25-34. Over the year, the employment rate dropped (-0.3 p.p.).

On a yearly basis, the number of unemployed people fell (-18.7%, -304 thousand) while the number of inactive people aged 15-64 grew (+2.9%, +351 thousand).