Uruguay’s Unemployment Rises in January 2026

Uruguay’s unemployment rate rose to 7.4% in January 2026, up from 7.0% in December. This marks the highest jobless rate since May 2025. Joblessness remained slightly lower in Montevideo (7.3%) than in the rest of the country (7.5%). By gender, unemployment stood at 5.9% for men and 9.2% for women. By age, unemployment remained elevated at 25.6% among those aged 14–24, while it was lowest among workers aged 65 and over, at 3%. Among the employed, 8.2% were underemployed, and 20% were not registered with social security in their main job. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 64.6%, while the employment rate dipped slightly to 59.8%.

Uruguay’s unemployment rate fell to 7.0% in December 2025 from 7.3% in November. Joblessness remained lower in Montevideo (6.6%) than in the rest of the country (7.2%). By gender, the unemployment rate stood at 5.4% for men, compared with 8.7% for women. Youth unemployment stayed elevated at 24.3% among those aged 14–24, while it was lowest among workers aged 65 and over, at 1.1%. Among employed individuals, 8.5% were underemployed, and 21.9% were not registered with social security in their main job. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate held steady at 64.5%, and the employment rate stood at 60.0%.

Uruguay’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.3% in November 2025, compared to the prior month. Joblessness was lower in Montevideo (7.1%) than in the rest of the country (7.4%). The unemployment rate stood at 5.8% for men, compared with 9.0% for women. Youth unemployment stayed elevated at 24.2% among those aged 14–24, while it was lowest among workers aged 65 and over, at 2.0%. Among employed individuals, 9.3% were underemployed, and 21.8% were not registered with social security in their main job. The national labor force participation rate held at 64.7%, while the employment rate stood at 60.0%.