Istat: employment falling in August 2026, unemployment and inflation rising

In August 2026, on a monthly basis, employed people decreased by 5 thousand units compared to July and grew by 291 thousand units over the year. This was revealed by Istat, underlining that the number of people looking for work is growing, with 48 thousand more units over the month and 129 thousand more over the year. The employed are 24 million 352 thousand while the unemployed are 1 million 591 thousand.

The number of inactive people is decreasing

The number of inactive people aged between 15 and 64 has decreased significantly, with 21 thousand fewer per month and 381 thousand fewer per year. The employment rate fell to 63.0% (-0.1 points on the month) while the unemployment rate rose to 6.2% (+0.2 points on the month).

The numbers in detail

The growth in people looking for work (+3.1%, equal to +48 thousand units) involves men, women and all age groups. The unemployment rate rises to 6.2% (+0.2 points) and the youth rate to 20.3% (+0.6 points). The decrease in inactive people between 15 and 64 years old (-0.2%, equal to -21 thousand units) concerns men and all age groups with the exception of 35-49 year olds among whom it is growing; among women, however, inactivity is essentially stable. The inactivity rate drops to 32.7% (-0.1 points).

Comparing the June-August 2026 quarter with the previous one (March-May 2026) there was an increase of 40 thousand employed (+0.2%). Compared to the previous quarter, the number of people looking for work also increased (+8.5%, equal to +123 thousand units), while the number of inactive people aged 15-64 decreased (-1.3%, equal to -164 thousand units).

In August 2026, the growth in the number of employed compared to August 2025 (+1.2%, equal to +291 thousand units) affects men, women, 25-34 year olds and those who are at least 50 years old; among 15-24 year olds and 35-49 year olds, however, employment decreases. On an annual basis, the employment rate increases by 0.6 points. Compared to August 2025, the number of people looking for work is growing (+8.8%, equal to +129 thousand units) and the number of inactive people between 15 and 64 years old is decreasing (-3.0%, equal to -381 thousand units).

In-depth analysis

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