Favourable labour market trends continued in the period August-October 2016: the number of people in employment aged 15-74 years rose by 138 thousand, to 4 million 404 thousand, a new record high.
The increase was realized in the private sector, where payroll data showed growth of 150 thousand year-on-year. In the observed period, the unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent, the lowest figure since the regime change in 1989.

The employment rate of those aged 15-64 years was up by 2.5 percentage points, to 67.4 percent. Labour data improved for both men and women. The employment rate of men aged 15-64 years increased by 2.5 percentage points, to 73.9 percent, while that of women was also higher, by 2.5 percentage points, rising to 61 percent.

Unemployment rate in the age group of 15-74 years declined in every region, falling to a record low level of 4.7 percent. Indicators show improvement in the age group of 15-24 years as well, as the number of those in employment rose by 16 thousand, to 310 thousand, year-on-year. The respective youth unemployment rate remained below 13 percent, and the number of jobless people fell by 12 thousand, to 45 thousand.

Thanks to reviving demand on the primary labour market, tax reductions, the Job Protection Action and measures aimed at facilitating economic activity, employment indicators have improved steadily.

(Ministry for National Economy)