Unemployment continues to rise – on the other hand, more unemployed people got jobs last month, compared to the same period last year. This is shown by new figures from the Employment Service.
Nearly 348,000 people were registered with the Employment Service at the end of June. This is almost 26,000 more than the same period last year.
Unemployment has thus risen from 6.1 percent to 6.6 percent in one year.
And it is expected to increase for the rest of the year as well, says Emil Persson, labor market analyst at the Employment Service.
The whole of 2024, we expect a weaker labor market, and the turnaround will come in pace with the economy strengthening, in 2025.
Layoffs decrease
The highest unemployment rate is in Skåne with 9.9 percent, followed by Södermanland County with 8.5 percent. And it is increasing in most counties. The lowest unemployment rate is in Västerbotten County with 3.5 percent.
The number of long-term unemployed is also increasing, i.e., those who have been without a job for a year or more. It increased by nearly 3,000 people, compared to the same period last year, and is now at over 140,000 people.
On the other hand, the number of layoffs is decreasing – compared to a year ago. Over 4,500 people were laid off during June, and the corresponding figure last year was over 5,300 people.
But there is a risk that it will increase going forward, according to Emil Persson.
In the spring, the number of layoffs has been higher than normal, and the weaker labor market means that there is a risk that we will see more layoffs even in the fall.
Turnaround in early 2025
It is also more unemployed people who have gotten a job. In June, there were over a thousand more who started a job than a year ago. From over 29,500 to nearly 31,000.
But this does not change the picture that we see that the labor market is weaker. We expect that the turnaround will come later, says Emil Persson.
TT: So when will it be easier to get a job?
The first half of next year will likely be somewhat easier. However, the assessment is still characterized by great uncertainty.
Emil Persson also adds that it will take time before we are back at the same unemployment level as before the recession.
