By the end of July, the number of unemployed reached 329,501, up 14,036 from June and 46,490 from a year ago. Labor Minister Marian Jurečka said the summer rise is typical, due to reduced hiring activity and postponed job searches, while fixed-term contract expirations also contribute.

Analysts, however, note that this year’s increase exceeds normal seasonal fluctuations. Vít Hradil of Investika points to a cooling labor market, and Andrea Linhartová Palánová from PwC cites slower production, weak demand, and high uncertainty. Regionally, the highest unemployment rates are in the Ústí and Moravian-Silesian regions, while Prague remains the lowest.

Looking ahead, experts expect the situation to worsen. Petr Dufek of Creditas Bank forecasts unemployment could reach 4.7 percent by year-end. With 95,553 job vacancies—around 3,000 fewer than in June—there are currently more than three unemployed people per available position nationwide.

Source: CzechDaily

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