Italy Q1 2026 employment climbs 0.3%, unemployment drops to 5.3%

ISTAT reports that Italy’s employed population reached 24.207 million in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 67 000 jobs (+0.3%) over the previous quarter. The growth was led by independent workers (+72 000, +1.4%) and a modest rise in temporary contracts (+9 000), while permanent positions fell by 13 000. Unemployment fell by 110 000, bringing the unemployment rate down to 5.3% (‑0.4 points) and the employment‑to‑population rate up to 62.7% (+0.2 points). Part‑time employment slipped to 28.8% of jobs and the vacancy rate edged down to 1.7%. Labour‑costs per full‑time equivalent rose 1.2% quarter‑on‑quarter, 3% year‑on‑year.

For workers aged 50‑64, the employment rate rose to 67.1%, up 1.3 points year‑on‑year. Over‑50s accounted for 60% of outplacement candidates, with an average placement time of 4.1 months; 55% of new hires for this group were permanent contracts. The data highlight a modest but broad‑based strengthening of the Italian labour market, especially among mature workers.