Italy Jobless Rate Falls to Record Low

The unemployment rate in Italy decreased to 5.1% in January 2026, following a downwardly revised 5.5% in December 2025, below market forecasts of 5.6% and marking the lowest level on record. The number of unemployed individuals dropped by 99 thousand from a month earlier to 1.305 million. Meanwhile, the employment rate rose to 62.6% from 62.4%, with the economy adding 80 thousand jobs during the month. Job gains were concentrated among men and across all age groups except those aged 15-24. In addition, the youth unemployment rate, measuring jobseekers between 15 to 24 years old, fell to an eleven-month low of 18.9% in January from 20.9% in the previous month. The inactivity rate edged higher to 33.9% from 33.8%.

The unemployment rate in Italy edged down to 5.7% in November 2025 from a downwardly revised 5.8% in October, below market forecasts of 6% and marking the lowest level on record. The number of unemployed individuals dropped by 30 thousand from a month earlier to 1.469 million. Meanwhile, the employment rate went down to 62.6% from 62.7%, with the economy shedding 34 thousand jobs during the month. Job losses were concentrated among women, fixed-term employees, and the self-employed, as well as in the 15-24 and 35-49 age groups. Italy’s employment rate remained among the lowest in the euro zone. In addition, the youth unemployment rate, measuring jobseekers between 15 and 24 years old, fell to a nine-month low of 18.8% in November from 19.6% in October. The inactivity rate rose slightly to 33.5% from 33.3%.

The unemployment rate in Italy fell to 6% in October 2025, below expectations of 6.1% and down from 6.2% in September. Jobseekers declined by 59 thousand from a month earlier to 1.528 million, while the employment rate rose to 62.7%, supported by a 75-thousand increase in employed persons across both genders, employment types, and most age groups. Youth unemployment also dropped sharply to 19.8% from 21.7%. The inactivity rate held steady at 33.2%. Over the August–October period, employment was broadly stable compared with the previous quarter, while unemployment fell by 71 thousand and inactivity edged up slightly. On an annual basis, employed persons increased by 224 thousand, driven by gains among permanent employees and the self-employed, while both unemployment and inactivity declined from October 2024.