“report ReKos” for 2024: Over half of the population off the job market

Kosovo Statistics Agency has published new data on the labour market, under which the unemployment rate in Kosovo is 13.9%.

Data extracts from “reportReKos 2024ė, which offers a detailed mirror of local and municipal employment indicators.

According to this publication, of over 1 million working age people, about 514 thousand are economically active, while 548 thousand are considered inactive. The number of employees totals 443 thousand, while 71 thousand people are unemployed.

The report stresses that the rate of inactivity remains one of the main challenges, reaching 51.6%. This phenomenon is markedly higher in women, with 65.4%, compared to 37.8% in men.

As for economic sectors, most employees are engaged in trade, production and construction. Meanwhile, women dominate in the trade, education and health sectors, while men mainly in production, construction and public administration.

The ASK explains that the differences between these data and those of the Labour Power Association are expected because of various methodologies, stressing that the latter remains the main source for labour market statistics, while the population census serves as the basis for more detailed analysis.

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Unemployment rate in Kosovo, according to ReKos 2017, was 13.9 %

The report “Work Market data according to municipalities” provides a comprehensive and detailed picture of labour market indicators at the municipality level. The analysis includes data on the population according to gender, ethnic affiliation and type of housing, as well as on the population of 1564 according to the status of economic activity. In particular, publication presents detailed information about:

• employed people, unemployed and economically inactive;
• Separation by gender, age groups, level of education, profession and economic activities;
• Status at work, workplace and type of residence;
• working hours during the week reference before registration;
• Territorial distribution of indicators according to municipalities.

Also, publication includes detailed analysis of the employment structure according to economic activities, professions and ethnic affiliations, as well as data on gender unemployment, age groups, the level of completed education and the main reasons for inactivity. Special attention is also given to participation in the work market of people with long - term difficulties.

According to the results of the Population Recording, Family Economy and Homes 2024, Kosovo's unemployment rate was 13.9 %. Until, about two-thirds of the population in Kosovo (1 063 687) were working age populations; Active persons were 514 791; Interactive people were 548 8906; Those employed were 443 364; and the unemployed persons were 71 427.

Non-activity rates continue to remain very high the level of non-activity remains one of the main labour market challenges in Kosovo with 51.6 %. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in women, where the level of inactivity is 65.4 %, compared to 37.8 %s in men. Trade, education and health management led with employment among women, the leading economic sectors that dominate employment, were: trade by 19,7 %, production by 12.7 %, construction by 9.6 %, education by 8,5 % and public administration and defence by 8.2 %. Women were employed, mainly in the trade, education and health care sectors, with 48.9 of them. While, the males were mainly employed in the trade, production, construction, public administration and defence sectors, in accommodation and services activities with 63,2 %.

Note: Differences in the results of employment indicators and unemployment among population census ( ReKos 2024) and Workers Power Survey (AFP) are expected and stem from various data collection methodologies, reference periods, statistical definitions used etc. For this reason, the Workers' Power Survey is considered the main source of labour market statistics. Meanwhile, data from the Population Record ( ReKos 2024) serve as a complemental source, providing opportunities for more detailed structural and territorial analysis, especially at the municipal level and for various population groups.