Italy employment rises to 24.4 million amid wage and participation concerns

Italy has seen an increase in employment during the second quarter of 2026, according to data from Istat and reports from the Cisl trade union. The number of employed persons rose to 24,447,000, an increase of 246,000 units (+1%) compared to the same period in 2025. This growth coincided with a reduction in unemployment and inactivity rates.

Despite these gains, structural challenges remain. Cisl Secretary Mattia Pirulli noted that while permanent contracts for young people (ages 15-34) have improved significantly since 2019, participation among women and youth remains a critical issue. The union is calling for budget resources to support professional training, apprenticeships, and incentives for companies that invest in work-life balance and female employment.

On a regional level, in the province of Salerno, the employment rate for those aged 15 to 64 reached 52.3% in 2025. However, Cisl Salerno General Secretary Marilina Cortazzi emphasized that increasing employment is only the starting point. The current challenge is translating higher employment into better wages, increased security, and regional development, noting that per capita disposable income in Salerno remains low relative to national rankings.