Czech Unemployment Rate at 3.3% in January 2026

The unemployment rate in Czechia rose to 3.3 percent in January 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 0.5 percentage points, according to the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). The latest labour market data point to a gradual softening in employment conditions at the start of the year.

The employment rate for people aged 15–64 reached 75.4 percent in January, down by 0.3 percentage points compared with the same month in 2025. Employment remains notably higher among men, at 80.0 percent, while the rate for women stood at 70.5 percent.

The share of unemployed persons within the labour force, which includes both employed and unemployed individuals, climbed modestly. Male unemployment remained below the three-percent mark at 2.8 percent, while the female unemployment rate increased to 3.8 percent.

According to the statistical office, the early data for 2026 confirm a gradual upward trend in unemployment. Officials noted that while male joblessness has remained relatively stable, the female rate has been rising over recent months and is approaching the four-percent level.

Labour market participation showed slight improvement. The economic activity rate for the 15–64 age group reached 77.9 percent, up by 0.1 percentage points year-on-year. Participation among men was 82.3 percent, compared with 73.4 percent among women.

The figures are based on the Labour Force Sample Survey, which follows internationally harmonised definitions of employment and unemployment. The methodology differs from administrative data on registered jobseekers because it captures labour market status based on household survey responses rather than labour office records.

Under the broader EU comparison covering people aged 15–74, the Czech unemployment rate stood at 3.2 percent in January 2026, indicating that the country continues to record one of the lower unemployment levels within the European Union.

The survey is conducted in private households and does not include individuals living in collective accommodation facilities or temporary shelters.