Uruguay Unemployment Holds at 7.4%

Uruguay's unemployment remained unchanged at 7.4% in February 2026, maintaining the highest jobless rate since May 2025. Joblessness was slightly higher in Montevideo at 7.7% than in the rest of the country at 7.2%. By gender, unemployment stood at 6.2% for men and 8.8% for women. Youth unemployment remained elevated at 23.7% among those aged 14 to 24, while it was lowest among workers aged 65 and over at 2.1%. Among the employed, 8.8% were underemployed, and 22% were not registered with social security in their main job. The labor force participation rate remained at 64.6%, and the employment rate held steady at 59.8%.

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%.