The unemployment rate in Italy edged up to 5.3% in February 2026 from an upwardly revised 5.2% in January, which was the lowest level on record. The latest figure came in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed individuals rose by 36 thousand month-on-month, reaching 1.36 million. Meanwhile, the employment rate fell to 62.4% from 62.6%, with the number of employed persons falling by 29 thousand to 24.15 million. The drop affected both permanent and temporary employees, while the number of self-employed workers increased. The country’s employment rate remained among the lowest in the euro zone. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate, measuring jobseekers between 15 and 24 years old, dropped to a record low of 17.6% in February from 18.5% in January. The inactivity rate held steady at 33.9%.