Sweden’s labour market grew in the first quarter of 2026, with the number of employed people rising to 5.225 million, a gain of 51,000 from the previous quarter. The unemployment rate fell to 9.1 % (524 000 unemployed) in the raw data, while seasonally adjusted figures show 505 000 unemployed and an 8.7 % rate. Employment rose mainly for women and in temporary contracts, with 602 000 temporary jobs, up 48 000. The employment rate climbed to 68.4 %, and the labour‑force participation rate reached 75.2 %. Under‑employment grew to 401 000, and long‑term unemployment increased to 194 000. Total weekly hours worked averaged 158.3 million. Youth unemployment was 179,000 (26.4 %), and the labour‑force participation rate was 75.2 %. The data indicate continued growth in job creation, though under‑employment and long‑term unemployment also rose.
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