Tuesday, 18 November 2025
The Czech labour market recorded a moderate increase in employment during the third quarter of 2025, driven mainly by growth in the number of working women and a rise in self-employment. According to data from the Czech Statistical Office’s Labour Force Sample Survey, the number of employed people rose year-on-year by 74,800 to a total of just over 5.27 million.
The survey shows that women accounted for most of this increase, with 103,900 more employed than a year earlier. The number of employed men declined by 29,100. The most significant rise was seen among workers aged 60 and above, whose numbers grew by 69,600, reflecting ongoing demographic shifts. Employment also increased among those aged 15–24 and 45–59, while the 25–44 age group registered declines.
Entrepreneurship Gains Ground
The share of entrepreneurs in the workforce expanded, with the number of self-employed individuals increasing by 22,600 year-on-year. This included 20,700 more own-account workers and 2,000 more employers with staff. In total, entrepreneurs accounted for 15.7% of all employed persons in Q3 2025.
Men made up roughly two-thirds of all self-employed individuals, often working in construction, retail and vehicle repair, or technical professions. Women most frequently operated businesses in professional services and personal service activities such as beauty and care. Female entrepreneurs typically had higher education levels than their male counterparts.
Sector Trends: Services Continue to Expand
Employment declined in agriculture and slightly in industry and construction, while the services sector continued to grow. Employment in services rose by 100,800 year-on-year, with notable gains in arts and entertainment, waste management, and information and communication. Employment fell in real estate activities and in financial and insurance services.
Part-Time Work on the Rise, Especially Among Women
Part-time work continued its long-term upward trend. A total of 504,300 people worked part-time in Q3 2025, 12,000 more than a year earlier. Women accounted for more than 70% of all part-time workers, most often due to caregiving responsibilities or other personal reasons.
Unemployment Edges Up but Remains Low
The number of unemployed people rose by 20,000 year-on-year to 158,400, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) definition. Unemployment increased among both men and women, with young men aged 15–24 and women aged 30–44 the most affected.
Long-term unemployment also grew, reaching 48,600 people – 13,800 more than a year earlier. The sharpest increase occurred among those aged 60 and over.
Despite the higher numbers, the overall unemployment rate for people aged 15–64 declined slightly to 2.4%, reflecting growth in the labour force. Regionally, unemployment remained highest in Ústecký (3.9%), Karlovarský (3.7%) and Moravskoslezský (3.4%) regions, and lowest in Středočeský, Vysočina and Prague (all 1.5%).
Economic Inactivity Declines
The number of economically inactive people fell by 35,600 year-on-year to 3.43 million. Most of this decline came from women, while inactivity among men rose. The number of people who would like to work but are not actively seeking a job also fell.
