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Directorate of Labour Frontpage
Directorate of Labour Frontpage

Directorate of Labour

The Icelandic labour market in May 2026

12th June 2026

The unemployment rate in May was 4,2%, down from 4,6% in April. There were on average 8.831 unemployed people in May 2026.

Unemployment by gender:

The unemployment rate for men in May was 4,6%, down from 5,0% in April. The unemployment rate for women was 3,9% in May, down from 4,2% in April.

Unemployment among young adults:

There were 2.336 young adults, aged 18-29 years unemployed in May 2026, down from 2.567 in April.

Long-term unemployment

There were 1.736 long-term unemployed (unemployed longer than 12 months) at the end of May 2026.

Forecast for June 2026:

It is expected that the unemployment rate will decrease and be in the range of 3,9-4,0% in June.