Italy Jobless Rate Falls to 5.2% in March

The unemployment rate in Italy fell to 5.2% in March 2026 from an upwardly revised 5.4% in February, slightly below market expectations of 5.3%. The number of unemployed individuals dropped by 38 thousand month-on-month to 1.32 million, with decreases observed across both genders and most age groups, except for those aged 15–24. The employment rate remained steady at 62.4%, with the number of employed persons falling by just 12 thousand to 24.12 million. The country’s employment rate continues to rank among the lowest in the euro zone. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate, measuring jobseekers between 15 and 24 years old, rose to 18.1% in March from a record low of 17.6% in February.

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%.