The decline brings the official rate to its lowest level since the Covid-19 shock pushed unemployment above 30%
The employed population increased to 17.1 million, but youth unemployment rose to 43.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025
For the millions of jobless people, this discussion is trivial
State disinvestment in public services, infrastructure and manufacturing ensured that millions would remain trapped in cycles of poverty, with or without immigration
Jobs were lost in the formal sector, as well as in trade, construction and private households
This marks the second consecutive drop in the jobless rate, and the lowest since the third quarter of 2023
Experts say many young people get into the industry out of sheer desperation