Hungary’s labour market remains one of the strongest in Europe, with employment rates continuing to rise. According to an analysis published by the Ministry for National Economy (NGM) on Wednesday, the employment rate for individuals aged 20–64 has steadily increased since the country’s employment turnaround in 2010, placing Hungary among the top six European nations for both male and female employment.
In the last quarter of 2024 Hungary’s employment rate among men reached 84.8 per cent, while women’s employment climbed to 77.1 per cent. Both figures significantly exceed the European Union average, underscoring Hungary’s labour market strength.
The potential labour reserve in Hungary also declined compared to the previous quarter, mirroring broader European trends. While the country’s employment rate stood at an impressive 81 per cent, the EU average for the same period was notably lower at 75.9 per cent.
Hungary’s sustained employment growth reflects the effectiveness of the country’s labour policies. Since 2010 the number of employed individuals has risen by approximately one million, bringing the total workforce to 4.7 million. Meanwhile, the number of registered jobseekers has dropped to a historic low.
The country’s unemployment rate remains among the lowest in Europe. As of the last quarter of 2024, Hungary’s unemployment rate stood at just 4.4 per cent, compared to the EU average of 5.7 per cent.
The economic activity of Hungary’s working-age population (15–64 years) continues to exceed the European average. Over the past year, the male activity rate slightly declined by 0.2 percentage points, while the female activity rate increased by 0.3 percentage points.
Hungary now ranks eighth in male workforce participation, with an activity rate of 82.2 per cent. Meanwhile, female workforce participation has reached 74.8 per cent, making it the tenth highest in Europe.
The Ministry for National Economy emphasized that these figures demonstrate Hungary’s strong labour market performance and the effectiveness of its employment policies, positioning the country among the most competitive in Europe.
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