The latest labour market data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) paints a steady but complex picture. Unemployment remained unchanged in the third quarter of the year, holding at 8.5%, while shifts within age and gender groups reveal deeper dynamics beneath the surface.
Unemployment Holds Steady at 8.5%
According to TÜİK’s July–September labour statistics, Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate showed no change compared to the previous quarter. The number of unemployed individuals aged 15 and above fell by 26,000, bringing the total to 3 million 10 thousand.
Despite this small numerical decline, the overall unemployment rate remained at 8.5%, signalling a broadly stable labour market during the period.
A Slight Yearly Decline
Compared to the same quarter last year, unemployment decreased by 0.2 points.
The breakdown by gender shows a continued disparity:
- Men: 7%
- Women: 11.2%
This gap highlights ongoing structural challenges within female labour force participation and employment opportunities.
Youth Unemployment Sees Improvement
One of the most notable developments is within the 15–24 age group, where seasonally adjusted unemployment fell by 0.5 points, reaching 15.3% in the third quarter.
A closer look shows:
- Young men: 11.7%
- Young women: 21.8%
Although the overall youth unemployment rate has improved, the wide gender divide continues to raise concerns.
What the Numbers Suggest
The third-quarter figures reflect a labour market that is stabilizing but still facing structural inequalities. While overall unemployment shows limited movement, the persistent gap between men and women—and the high rate among young people—remains a key area for policy attention.
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