Statistics: Lowest unemployment rate of the century in third quarter
Figures released by Statistics Estonia show the unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in the last quarter, which the organization says is the lowest since 2000.
In the 3rd quarter, the unemployment rate was 3.9 percent, the labour force participation rate was 71.9 percent and the employment rate was 69 percent. The estimated number of employed persons was 677,300, which is 10,700 more than in the same quarter of the previous year. The number of long-term unemployed also declined.
Compared to the third quarter, which is defined as July, August and September, of the previous year, the unemployment rate decreased by 1.3 percentage points. The labour force participation rate and the employment rate remained at a similar level.
Changes in different age groups have not been significant: employment has slightly increased and unemployment has decreased. The highest employment rate was expectedly recorded among the population aged between 25 and 49 at 84.3% and the employment rate among people aged 50 to 74 remains at a high level of 60.1%.
The estimated number of full-time workers in the third quarter in 2019 was 598,300 and the number of part-time workers was 78,900. The number of underemployed persons decreased: the estimated number of persons who do not work full-time, would like to work more and are ready to accept suitable work immediately was 5,200.
The estimated number of unemployed persons was 27,700; compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the number of unemployed persons decreased by 9,100.
The unemployment rate among Estonians was 3.4 percent and among non-Estonians 5.1 percent. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, unemployment decreased in both groups.
The number of long-term unemployed in the third quarter of 2019 was 4,300 and the figure had declined compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The long-term unemployed are people who have been unemployed for 12 months or more.
The number of inactive persons in the third quarter was 276,000 which was an increase compared to the year before. The main reasons for being inactive were retirement (79,500), illness or disability (67,800) and studies (63,200). The number of persons who were inactive due to illness or disability or taking care of members of family or children increased compared to the year before.
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Editor: Helen Wright
