Austria’s Unemployment Rate Climbs to 7.5% in November, Marking 32nd Consecutive Rise
Austria’s unemployment rate continued its upward trajectory in November, reaching 7.5%, according to data released by the Public Employment Service (AMS). This marks the 32nd consecutive month of increasing unemployment figures, signaling a persistent challenge in the nation’s labor market.
The AMS reported that at the end of November, 399,199 people were registered as unemployed or participating in training programs – a 4.0% increase, or 15,236 individuals, compared to the same period last year. The figures underscore a lack of significant improvement in the labor market situation.
“First indications of the announced recovery in 2026, such as the slightly declining unemployment in temporary employment, are already noticeable (with a lot of goodwill and a magnifying glass), but still so minor that they suggest a manageable revival rather than strong economic growth in the new year,” a senior AMS official stated.
Regional Disparities in Unemployment
The impact of rising unemployment was not evenly distributed across Austria. Lower Austria experienced the most significant increase, with a 6.9% rise, followed by Styria at 5.7%. These increases coincide with recent job cuts announced by major companies in the regions, including voestalpine and Wollsdorf Leather. Burgenland and Tyrol also saw substantial increases, at 4.9% and 4.0% respectively.
Conversely, Carinthia demonstrated relative stability, with a modest 0.7% increase – representing an additional 144 individuals. The figures suggest a varied economic landscape across the country, with some regions facing more acute challenges than others.
Sectoral Trends and Gender Imbalance
The AMS data revealed specific sectors experiencing the most significant increases in unemployment. Health and social services saw a substantial rise of 16.8%, followed by trade (7.4%), transport and storage (6.7%), and goods production/industry (5.2%).
Notably, unemployment among women rose at a significantly higher rate than that of men, increasing by 6.2% compared to 2.1%. “We know that the labor market situation for women is particularly difficult in some areas. That is precisely why targeted measures and real support are needed. The AMS provides around 670 million euros for this every year,” explained Labor and Social Minister Korinna Schumann in a ministry statement.
Declining Job Vacancies and Apprenticeships
The number of reported job vacancies continued a downward trend, falling by 13.2% year-over-year to 71,933 at the end of November. A similar decline was observed in the availability of apprenticeships, which decreased by 17.3% compared to the previous year. This reduction in opportunities further complicates the outlook for job seekers, particularly young people entering the workforce.
Seasonal Fluctuations and Future Outlook
Despite the overall negative trend, the AMS anticipates seasonal fluctuations in unemployment rates. The winter months are expected to reduce unemployment in the tourism sector, while simultaneously increasing it in construction and agriculture. Following this seasonal shift, the agency anticipates a decline in the number of job seekers registered with the AMS.
The early Easter date in 2026 is also expected to positively influence unemployment figures in March, according to the AMS. However, the agency maintains a cautious outlook, emphasizing that a substantial improvement in the labor market is not anticipated in the immediate future.
