A new report from the Employment Service released today (Sunday) reveals surprising data showing the drop in unemployment and speedy recovery of the labor market in northern Israel. While the national average of job seekers remains stable, northern cities have shown significant improvement in their employment rates.
Northern Employment Rises Amid Nationwide Stability
The encouraging data comes in the wake of the ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect in late November and is beginning to show its impact. However, while northern employment rates improve, some cities are experiencing declines, contributing to the nationwide average remaining unchanged.
The age distribution of job seekers also remains stable, nearly identical to November of last year: 27.9% are under the age of 34, 41.2% are aged 35-54, and 30.8% are over the age of 55.
Among men, unemployment rates have remained steady, while a notable decline in female unemployment has been recorded, with the current rate at 54.8% compared to pre-war data.
Employment Service CEO: “A Stable Labor Market Is Just the Beginning”
Attorney Einat Meshash, CEO of the Employment Service, explained the rapid improvement as a reflection of “resilience in the labor market.” She added, however, that “the situation in the north requires special attention.”
“We are currently formulating a comprehensive strategic plan to address the region’s unique challenges, understanding that returning to pre-war employment levels is just the beginning,” Meshash emphasized. “Our goal is successfully evolve the north into a thriving employment hub that attracts top talent and offers abundant job opportunities,” she concluded.
