Turkish Jobless Rate Rises from December's Record Low

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 8.1% in January 2026 from a marginally revised from a record low of 7.8% in the previous month. The number of unemployed declined by 73,000 to a 2.82 million. Meanwhile, total employment dropped by 516,000 to 31.95 million, bringing the employment rate eased to 47.9% from 48.7%, marking the lowest level since March 2023. By gender, the employment rate eased slipped for both men (65.3% vs. 66.5%) and women (30.9% vs. 31.4%). Labor force participation rate was down to 52.1% from 52.9% in December, pointing to the lowest figure since February 2022. Meanwhile, youth unemployment was little changed (14.3% vs 14.2%).

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 7.7% in December 2025, down from a downwardly revised 8.5% in November. It marked the lowest jobless rate since the data began in 2005, as the number of unemployed decreased by 286,000 to a near 12-year low of 2.74 million. Meanwhile, total employment fell by 42,000 to 32.69 million, bringing the employment rate steady at 49.1%. By gender, male employment was unchanged at 66.8%, while female employment declined to 31.7% from 31.9%. Labor force participation declined to 53.2% from 53.7%. On the other hand, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) dropped to 14.1% in December from 15.2%, marking the lowest level since June 2001.

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched higher to 8.6% in November 2025, up from October’s three-month low of 8.5%. The number of unemployed increased by 54,000 to a 13-month high of 3.10 million. At the same time, total employment rose by 75,000 to a three-month high of 32.74 million, lifting the employment rate to 49.2% from 49.1%. By gender, male employment increased to 66.8% from 66.5%, while female employment declined to 31.9% from 32.4%. Labor force participation edged up to 53.8% from 53.7%, reflecting gradual gains in workforce engagement. However, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) remained unchanged at 15.4% in November, staying at the lowest level in three months.