Greek unemployment climbs to 10.6% in the first quarter of 2026

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reported that the unemployment rate in Greece rose to 10.6% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 8.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 10.4% a year earlier. The number of job‑seekers increased to 508,401, representing a 28.7% rise quarter‑on‑quarter and a 4.2% increase year‑on‑year. Long‑term unemployment is estimated at roughly 249,000 people.

Women’s unemployment stood at 13.9% versus 7.9% for men. The highest youth rates were recorded for ages 15‑19 (35%) and 20‑24 (23.8%). Regionally, the South Aegean recorded the highest share at 29.9%, followed by the Ionian Islands (23.6%) and Western Greece (13.1%). The main reason cited for job loss was the expiry of fixed‑term contracts (41.3%).

Employment fell to 4,272,151, a 1.8% drop from the previous quarter but a 1.3% rise from the same quarter last year. Of those employed, 71.9% are wage earners, 18% are self‑employed without staff, and 5.2% hold part‑time jobs. Temporary work decreased to 7.3% of the workforce. Professionals (23.3%) and service‑sales workers (21.9%) remain the largest occupational groups.