Italy Jobless Rate Picks Up to 5.3%

The unemployment rate in Italy edged up to 5.3% in February 2026 from an upwardly revised 5.2% in January, which was the lowest level on record. The latest figure came in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed individuals rose by 36 thousand month-on-month, reaching 1.36 million. Meanwhile, the employment rate fell to 62.4% from 62.6%, with the number of employed persons falling by 29 thousand to 24.15 million. The drop affected both permanent and temporary employees, while the number of self-employed workers increased. The country’s employment rate remained among the lowest in the euro zone. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate, measuring jobseekers between 15 and 24 years old, dropped to a record low of 17.6% in February from 18.5% in January. The inactivity rate held steady at 33.9%.

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%.