Italy – Data released by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) showed a monthly increase in employment of 0.3%, equivalent to 67,000 additional workers, during September 2025. The increase included women, permanent employees, and all age groups except for the 35-49 age group, which saw a decline in the number of employed women.
The data indicates that the number of men and self-employed individuals remained stable, while the number of temporary contract workers decreased. According to the report, the overall employment rate rose to 62.7% (+0.2 percentage points).
Conversely, unemployment saw some increases. The number of job seekers rose by 2.0%, or 31,000 more people. The increase was particularly noticeable among young people aged 15 to 34 and those over 50, while the number of unemployed people aged 35 to 49 and women decreased. The overall unemployment rate rose to 6.1%, while the youth unemployment rate reached 20.6% (+0.9 percentage points).
The report also noted a 0.8% decrease (99,000 people) in the number of economically inactive individuals aged 15 to 64. The overall rate of economic inactivity also fell to 33.1% (-0.3%).
Comparing the results for September 2025 with those for September 2024, the number of employed people increased year-on-year by 0.7% (176,000 additional people). This increase included men, women, and older adults, while the number of economically inactive people decreased by 1.3% (167,000 people).
Despite these positive employment indicators, experts warned of the continued rise in youth unemployment. They emphasized the need for vocational support and training programs for young and middle-aged individuals. These efforts aim to enhance their integration into the labor market.
