Prague, Czech Republic – In December of the preceding year, unemployment in the Czech Republic saw a marginal increase, rising to 3.7% from November’s 3.5%. Notably, this marked the first time since January that registered job seekers outnumbered vacancies. According to data released by the Czech Labor Office, the number of job seekers increased by 16,000 to reach 279,227, while vacancies decreased by 7,000 to 271,789.

This uptick in unemployment towards the end of the year aligns with established seasonal trends, particularly as seasonal jobs in agriculture and construction conclude with the onset of winter. The termination of fixed-term work contracts, agreements, and temporary suspensions of activities by self-employed individuals also contribute to the rise in registered job seekers.

Employers persist in their search for employees in technical and labor professions, with a sustained demand for skilled artisans. Notably, approximately three-quarters of vacant positions are targeted at applicants with primary or lower education levels, and two-thirds are deemed suitable for foreign candidates.

Individuals lacking higher qualifications, specifically those without a high school diploma and those with only primary education, constitute the demographic most commonly without work. In December, the average age of the unemployed was 42.8 years.

Despite the seasonal fluctuation in December, the fundamental state of the job market in the Czech Republic remains unchanged. Seasonally adjusted unemployment has shown minimal variation for almost a year. Even if domestic unemployment figures were to climb to four percent, it would still be considered relatively low in the broader context of employment trends. The employment landscape, characterized by a consistent demand for skilled professionals, underscores the resilience of the job market in the Czech Republic amid seasonal shifts.

Article by Prague Forum