Analytics, Labour-market, Latvia

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, 94.4 thousand people aged 15–74 were unemployed – 2.5 thousand fever than a year before and 0.1 thousand fewer than in a quarter before.

Since the 2^nd quarter of 2015 Latvian unemployment rate was exceeds the European Union (EU) average rate. In the 2^nd quarter of 2016, Latvian unemployment rate (9.5%) exceeded the EU average indicator (8.6%) by 0.9 ppts. In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, Latvian unemployment rate still was also the highest in the Baltic states (7.5 % in Estonia and Lithuania).

Unemployment rate in the Baltic states and average in the European Union, %

Data source: Eurostat database; data on the 3^rd quarter of 2016 – Labour Force Surveys of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Long-term unemployed persons

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, 41.6 % or 39.3 thousand of all unemployed persons who have been without work for 12 months or longer. As the number of unemployed persons decreased, the number of long-term unemployed persons fell as well – by 9.2 thousand or 9 ppts during the year, but, compared to the 2^nd quarter of 2016, the number has increased by 1.3 ppts.

Youth unemployment

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, youth unemployment rate accounted for 19.3% – 3.1 ppts higher than a year ago and 0.4 ppts higher than in the 2^nd quarter. During the year, the number of young unemployed persons has grown by 1.8 thousand, while, compared to the 2^nd quarter, the number has reduced by 0.1 thousand.

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, out of the total number of unemployed persons, 14.6 thousand or 15.5% were young people aged 15–24. During the year, the share thereof in the total number of unemployed persons has risen by 2.3 ppts, and, compared to the 2^nd quarter, it has diminished by 0.1 ppts.

In the 3^rd quarter, 40.3% of all young people were active. i.e., employed or actively looking for a job (unemployed), while 59.7% of young people were inactive (mainly studying and not seeking a job).

Inactive population

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, 31.6% or 457.9 thousand persons of population aged 15–74 were inactive. i.e., were neither employed not actively seeking a job. Compared to the 2^nd quarter, the number of inactive population has declined by 2.1 thousand or 0.5%.

In the 3^rd quarter, 19.3 thousand or 4.2% of inactive population were discouraged to find a job. For comparison – in the 3^rd quarter of 2015 the share of such inactive population accounted for 5.0 %, while in the 2^nd quarter – for 4.3%.

In the 3^rd quarter of 2016, Labour Force Survey covered 4 thousand households, in which 7.4 thousand persons aged 15–74 were interviewed.