The number of resident jobseekers registered with ADEM stood at 18,293 on October 31, 2024, an increase of 1,366 individuals (or 8.1%) compared to October 2023. This rise in job seekers was observed across all durations of unemployment.
The most significant increases were seen among highly qualified jobseekers (holders of higher education degrees) and individuals aged 30 to 44 years. In terms of occupations, the largest increases occurred in road transport operations (ROME category N41), culinary production (G16), IT (M18), and construction finishing trades (F16).
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, calculated by STATEC, remained stable at 5.8%.
The number of new jobseeker registrations remained also relatively stable. In October 2024, 3,210 residents registered with ADEM, a negligible increase of 27 individuals or 0.8% compared to October 2023. It is worth noting that these new registrations included 81 individuals benefiting from temporary protection (refugees from Ukraine).
The number of resident jobseekers receiving full unemployment benefits increased by 1,319 individuals or 14.6% year-on-year, reaching 10,375 as of October 31. The number of beneficiaries of employment measures stood at 4,494, an increase of 6.3% compared to October 2023.
In October 2024, employers reported 3,170 job vacancies to ADEM, a slight increase of 2.6% compared to October 2023.
The total number of available positions at the end of the month was 6,698 as of October 31,2024, representing a year-on-year decrease of 21.9%. This decline mainly affected occupations in accounting and management (ROME category M12), IT (M18), legal professions (K19), and the financial sector (C).
It is worth highlighting that while the overall stock of vacant positions is declining, the number of newly declared job openings is increasing. This shift is attributed to a reduction in the average time job offers remain open. Since September 2023, this trend has aligned with the implementation of a new law designed to address the shortage of qualified labor. The law has streamlined the process for closing job offers, particularly those aimed at recruiting third-country nationals.
Professions such as accounting, IT, legal services, and finance have been particularly impacted by these expedited closures, leading to a marked reduction in the number of vacant positions in these sectors.