Employment and unemployment (quarterly)

Istat estimates that 22,8 million persons were employed in the 4^th quarter 2012, down 0,6% (-148 thousands) from 4^th quarter 2011. The employment rate decreased to 56.5%. Unemployment passed 2.9 million (+559 thousands persons), while the unemployment rate rise to 11.6%. The inactivity rate decreased to 35.9%.