The OECD employment rate held steady at a record 70.3% in Q2 2025, alongside an unchanged labour force participation rate of 74.1%, sustaining historic highs despite varied country-level trends.

• Employment rates increased in 17 OECD countries, were flat in 11, and declined in 10, showing broadly steady labour conditions across the bloc.

• France and Japan were among six countries reporting rates at or near record highs, while Türkiye remained lowest at 54.9%.

• Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Iceland all maintained employment rates above 80%, reflecting persistently tight labour markets.

• The euro area’s employment rate rose +0.4 ppts YoY, supported by stronger participation. Colombia and Greece recorded the largest annual gains (+1.2 ppts each), driven by lower unemployment.

• Estonia and New Zealand saw YoY declines of -1.0 ppt or more, linked to weaker participation and higher unemployment.

• The OECD unemployment rate was stable at 5.0% in August, where it has held since April 2022.

• Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) rose slightly to 11.6% (from 11.2% in July), while rates for adults and both genders were unchanged.

• Unemployment remained steady in 23 OECD members, increased in 7 (including Canada and Japan), and fell in only 2; Canada’s September rate held at 7.1%.