The record figure masks different trends. In the second quarter of 2026, the employment rate reached 70.4% across the OECD, but was almost unchanged year on year. The figures published on 15 October chiefly highlight a contrast between generations.
Employment rises among 55–64-year-olds
In this age group, the employment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points compared with the previous quarter. It remained broadly stable among 25–54-year-olds and 15–24-year-olds. Among women aged 15–64, the increase was 0.2 percentage points, while the rate for men changed little.
Youth unemployment followed a different trend: it rose from 11% in July to 11.3% in August. This monthly figure covers a different period from the quarterly employment rate.
Surveys, not a count of registrations
The OECD’s methodological note explains that these employment statistics are based on surveys of the population. A person may be counted as employed after working for at least one hour during the reference period; some temporary absences are also included. The rate therefore does not measure the number of full-time jobs.
Unemployment uses a harmonised definition: not having a job, being available for work and taking steps to find work. It is not the same as the number of people registered with national employment services. The series are adjusted for seasonal variations. These conventions enable international comparisons, but do not on their own describe the length of contracts or the working hours of the people concerned.
Sources
OECD, Labour market situation, 15 October 2026; methodological note, updated on 12 March 2026, accessed on 21 October 2026.
