Youth Unemployment in Sweden Holds Steady at 8% Amid Rising Overall Unemployment

As of late July 2025, youth unemployment in Sweden remains stable at 8.0%, with around 43,000 individuals aged 18-24 registered as unemployed, according to the latest monthly statistics from the Swedish Public Employment Service. This percentage indicates that while the overall unemployment rate has seen an increase from 6.8% to 7.1% over the past year, youth unemployment has not significantly changed, providing a positive outlook amidst a generally sluggish job market.

Lars Lindvall, head of forecasts at the Swedish Public Employment Service, expressed optimism about the youth's adaptability in the job market, noting, "Youths are generally more flexible in job markets," which may contribute to their stability in employment compared to other demographics. However, he cautioned against proclaiming a recovery too soon, given the increasing overall unemployment.

Disparities in youth unemployment exist, with young men facing a higher rate of 9.5%, in contrast to 6.5% for young women. Lindvall attributed this gap to women achieving higher educational levels, which correlates with lower unemployment rates. The current landscape shows that most unemployed youths lack higher education, particularly high school graduates, who tend to secure jobs relatively quickly once the market improves.

Despite ongoing economic difficulties, Lindvall and other analysts project a potential turnaround in the job market by autumn, with hopes for a decrease in unemployment rates as economic conditions improve into the next year. Such forecasts signal a cautious but optimistic approach towards the future employment landscape for Sweden's youth.