Turkey’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.4% in May
According to the latest report from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the country’s unemployment rate in May decreased by 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous month, reaching 8.4%. This decline occurred as the number of unemployed individuals fell by 69,000, dropping to 2 million 972 thousand.
Statistics reveal a significant gender gap in unemployment rates. While the unemployment rate for men was recorded at 6.5%, it rose to 11.9% for women. Among young people aged 15-24, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 15.4%.
The number of employed individuals increased by 100,000 in May, reaching 32 million 519 thousand. The employment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 49%. The average weekly working hours also increased by 0.6 hours, reaching 42.7 hours.
TÜIK revised some of its previous data in this report. Accordingly, the downward trend in the unemployment rate has continued since the beginning of 2023. The rate declined from 9.7% in January 2023 to 8.4% in May 2024.
Gender Disparity in Unemployment
Male unemployment rate: 6.5%
Female unemployment rate: 11.9%
Youth Unemployment (Aged 15-24)
The youth unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 15.4%.
Among young men: 11%
Among young women: 23.5%
Revision of Past Data
TÜIK revised some historical figures. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in recent periods was as follows:
2023: Dropped from 9.7% in January to 8.8% in December.
– 2024: 2024: Declined from 9.1% in January to 8.4% in May.
2025 (up to May): Fluctuated between 8% and 8.6%.
Increase in Employment
The number of employed individuals rose by 100,000 in May, reaching 32 million 519 thousand.
The employment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 49%.
Working Hours & Other Indicators
Average weekly working hours (seasonally adjusted) increased to 42.7 hours.
The underutilized labor force rate (including unemployed and underemployed) declined to 31%.
These figures indicate a relative improvement in Turkey’s labor market in May 2024.
