The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has released labor force statistics for September 2026. According to seasonally adjusted data, the unemployment rate increased by 0.5 points compared to August, reaching 8.4 percent.
The number of unemployed persons aged 15 and over increased by 198 thousand in the same period, reaching 2 million 967 thousand. The unemployment rate was calculated at 6.9 percent for men and 11.3 percent for women.
In September, the number of employed persons decreased by 49 thousand compared to the previous month, falling to 32 million 445 thousand. The seasonally adjusted employment rate dropped by 0.1 points to 48.3 percent. The employment rate was 65.8 percent for men and 31.2 percent for women.
An increase was recorded in the labor force. The labor force grew by 149 thousand in September, reaching 35 million 412 thousand. The labor force participation rate rose by 0.1 points to 52.7 percent; this rate was reported as 70.7 percent for men and 35.2 percent for women.
RISE IN YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
The data showed a significant increase in the unemployment rate for the youth population, covering the 15-24 age group. The youth unemployment rate increased by 1.6 points compared to the previous month, reaching 14.8 percent. This rate was calculated at 10.4 percent for young men and 23.3 percent for young women.
The idle labor force rate, which includes time-related underemployment, potential labor force, and the unemployed, also rose in September. This rate increased by 0.2 points compared to the previous month, reaching 31.2 percent.
In the same data set, the combined rate of time-related underemployment and unemployment was 20.5 percent, while the combined rate of unemployment and potential labor force was 20.7 percent. The average weekly actual working hours of employed persons who were at work during the reference period decreased by 0.1 hours to 42.4 hours.
News Source: 12punto
