This represents an increase of 1,3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2025, the agency noted.

The change is attributed to an increase in the number of people reaching working age, combined with a decline in the number of people who held jobs, the INE explained.

Among women, the unemployment rate was higher, reaching 10,5% during the period analyzed, while for men, it rose to 9,3%.

In terms of economic activity, a decline in the employed population was recorded in the information and communications, financial and insurance, and manufacturing sectors; meanwhile, employment grew in the real estate, education, and construction sectors.

Regarding labor informality, the rate increased by 0,2 percentage points, reaching 26,4%, the INE statement indicated.

This means that more than 2.4 million people in the country hold precarious jobs and lack access to national labor protections—such as social security, healthcare, and retirement benefits upon reaching the eligible age.

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