Labor market trends show rising unemployment for youth and older workers

Global and regional labor markets are facing challenges across different age demographics. According to an International Labour Organization report, global youth unemployment rose to 12.4 percent in 2025, leaving 67 million young people without work. This trend is observed in both high-income and low-income regions, with North America seeing an increase from 8.3 to 9.8 percent between 2023 and 2025. A significant factor is the decline in mid-skilled roles in administration and manufacturing, alongside the risk of AI exposure affecting 6.1 percent of jobs held by those aged 15 to 29.

In Sweden, data from Arbetsförmedlingen indicates a rising trend of unemployment among older populations. Approximately 32 percent of those registered as unemployed are aged 50 or older, up from 27 percent eight years ago. Specifically, the proportion of unemployed individuals over 60 has increased from 7.7 to 11.6 percent over the same period. Analysts suggest this may be due to structural changes, technological requirements, and potential age discrimination in recruitment processes.