Italy labor gap: North works 27 more days annually than South

A report from the CGIA Research Office highlights a significant labor gap between Northern and Southern Italy. In 2024, workers in the North averaged 255 working days per year, while those in the South averaged only 228 days, representing a difference of 27 working days.

This disparity is accompanied by a notable wage gap. The average daily pay in the North is 108 euros, compared to 80 euros in the South, a 36% difference. The report attributes the lower number of working days in the South to several structural factors, including higher rates of job insecurity, more frequent part-time employment, and a heavy reliance on seasonal work, particularly in tourism.

Additionally, the prevalence of undeclared labor (black market work) in the South's agricultural sector further impacts the official economic data. While provinces like Lecco in the North report high averages of 255.4 days, southern areas like Vibo Valentia and Foggia report significantly lower figures.