The total number of unemployed people registered in employment centers fell by 11.1% year-on-year and stood at 310,708 people at the end of January, according to data from the Employment and Professional Training Institute (IEFP).
Compared to December, however, there was a monthly increase of 3.8% — 11,285 more subscribers.
The 310,708 unemployed people represent 69.1% of the 449,423 job applications received by employment services on the continent and the autonomous regions.
The annual reduction translates into 38,360 fewer registered people than in January 2025. The decrease was most marked among those registered for less than 12 months (‑29,381), among those looking for a new job (‑31,449) and among those over 25 years of age (‑28,922).
By professional categories on the continent, the largest share of registrants is concentrated among unskilled workers (30.1%). This is followed by workers in personal services, protection, security and sales (20.2%), specialists in intellectual and scientific activities (10.5%) and administrative staff (10.2%).
In regional terms, the IEFP highlights that December saw year-on-year declines in unemployment in all regions, with Madeira recording the biggest reduction (‑13.9%).
Job market demand registered contrasting movements, as offers received in January totaled 11,753, 0.9% less than the previous year, but more than doubled compared to December (+104.6%).
At the end of the month there were 11,451 vacancies to be filled (+3.5% year-on-year). Placements carried out during January were 6,883, 11.4% less than in the same month of 2025, but 48.7% above the December number.
The numbers point to an annual improvement in the stock of unemployed people, but show monthly volatility in demand and placements.
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