The number of registered unemployed individuals in Slovenia reached its lowest level since 1990 in June 2026, according to data released by the State Employment Service (Zavod za zaposlovanje RS). At the end of June, there were 42,245 registered unemployed persons, which represents a decrease of 0.4 percent compared to June 2025 and a drop of 1.9 percent compared to May 2026. This marks a continued downward trend in unemployment that has persisted for five consecutive months. The decline was most pronounced in certain regions, particularly in Murter, where the number of unemployed fell by 9.7 percent compared to the previous year, followed by Celje (-7.5%) and Trbovlje (-7.3%). In contrast, the smallest reduction was recorded in Nova Gorica, with a decrease of just 0.1 percent. Across all local offices of the employment service, the number of unemployed individuals decreased, with the largest drops observed in Koper (-5.1%), Maribor (-2.3%), Ptuj (-2.1%), and Sevnica (-2.0%).
During June, 4,039 new individuals registered as unemployed with the employment service, representing an increase of 1.7 percent compared to May and 7 percent compared to June 2025. Among these new registrations, 1,586 individuals became unemployed due to the expiration of fixed-term contracts, while 758 were surplus workers, 84 were laid off due to bankruptcies, and 303 were first-time job seekers. Compared to May, there was a 13.4 percent decrease in the number of first-time job seekers and an 8 percent decrease in surplus workers. However, the number of individuals who lost their jobs due to expiring fixed-term contracts increased by 4.6 percent, and those affected by bankruptcies rose by 75 percent. When compared to June 2025, the number of individuals registering due to expiring fixed-term contracts increased by 2.7 percent, and those affected by bankruptcies rose by 140 percent. Surplus workers also saw a rise of 12.1 percent over the same period, while first-time job seekers declined by 11.9 percent.
Of the 4,854 unemployed individuals who were removed from the register during June, 2,804 found employment or started self-employment, marking a decrease of 11.7 percent compared to May and 2 percent compared to June 2025. Those who secured jobs included secretaries, sales representatives, workers in light manufacturing, warehouse staff, cleaners, servers, domestic helpers in offices, hotels, and other institutions, waiters, commercial representatives, drivers of private cars, taxis, and light delivery vehicles, and kitchen assistants. These roles reflect the current demand in sectors such as services, retail, hospitality, and logistics.
Over the first six months of 2026, 29,141 new individuals registered as unemployed, representing a 0.6 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The majority of these new registrations were due to the termination of fixed-term contracts (12,205 individuals), followed by 2,348 first-time job seekers, 6,083 surplus workers, and those affected by bankruptcies. Compared to the same period last year, the number of surplus workers and bankruptcy victims decreased by 6.1 percent, while those leaving fixed-term contracts dropped by 2.1 percent and first-time job seekers by 3 percent. A total of 34,073 unemployed individuals were removed from the register, with 22,636 securing jobs—a decrease of 3 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Despite the overall decline in unemployment, challenges remain on the labor market. While the number of available jobs reported by employers decreased by 1.2 percent compared to the same period last year, there is still a shortage of skilled workers, especially in industries and construction, as well as in sectors requiring cleaning staff, teachers, educators, and heavy truck drivers. Employers have reported fewer job openings than in the first half of 2025, indicating potential difficulties in filling positions despite the lower unemployment rate.
The situation highlights disparities among different demographic groups. Young people aged 20 to 29 remain particularly vulnerable, as their employment status tends to deteriorate more quickly during economic slowdowns. They often face challenges related to the mismatch between their education and job market demands, frequently working in uncertain forms of employment and receiving minimum wages. Additionally, they tend to enter the labor market later after completing tertiary education, which can delay their independence and reduce work experience.
Older workers (aged 55 to 64) and those with low levels of education have seen significant improvements in labor market participation in recent years. However, even within this group, only about half are actively employed, and the employment rate among those aged 60 to 64 remains among the lowest in the European Union. Individuals with disabilities and those with limited education continue to struggle with access to better-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement, facing barriers such as health issues and limited mobility.
While the overall unemployment rate has reached historic lows, the underlying dynamics suggest that the labor market is experiencing complex shifts. Although the number of unemployed individuals has decreased significantly, the quality of employment and the ability of certain groups to secure stable, well-paid jobs remain areas of concern. The interplay between declining unemployment rates and persistent labor shortages indicates that while the economy appears to be improving, structural challenges and inequalities persist, requiring targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive growth and sustainable employment outcomes.
5 reports
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 9022 hr. agoThe article reports that the number of registered unemployed individuals in Slovenia reached its lowest level since 1990 in June 2026. According to data from the Employment Agency, there were 42,245 registered unemployed people at the end of June, representing a 0.4% decrease compared to June 2025. This marks another consecutive month of declining unemployment rates. The report also notes that 4,039 new unemployed individuals were registered in June, a 1.7% increase from May but still lower than the same period last year. Among the newly registered, 1,586 were due to expired temporary contracts, 758 were overstaffed employees, 84 were laid off due to bankruptcies, and 303 were job seekers looking for their first employment. The article highlights trends in different categories of unemployment and mentions that the majority of newly registered unemployed were those whose employment ended in manufacturing and retail sectors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data regarding unemployment rates in Slovenia without overt ideological framing. It provides statistical information and contextualizes changes in unemployment numbers without taking a clear partisan stance. While the topic relates to economic policy, which can
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article provides precise statistics including the lowest unemployment rate since 1990, exact numbers of registered unemployed individuals, and detailed breakdowns of new registrations. It presents facts objectively with minimal editorializing.
Ljubljanske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 88yesterdayThe article reports on the continued decline in unemployment in Slovenia during June 2026. According to data from the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia (Zavod za zaposlovanje RS), the number of registered unemployed individuals at the end of June was 42,245, representing a 1.9% decrease compared to May and a 0.4% drop from the same period the previous year. The number of new applicants for unemployment benefits increased by 1.7% compared to the previous month and by 7.0% compared to June 2025. Conversely, the number of people who were reemployed decreased by 11.7% compared to May and by 2.0% compared to June 2025. Over the first half of 2026, the average number of unemployed individuals was 45,519 per month, a 0.4% reduction from the same period in 2025. Employers reported 76,342 available job positions at the end of June, a 1.2% decrease from the same period the previous year.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data regarding unemployment trends without overtly favoring any political ideology. It provides balanced statistical information from an official source (Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia) without commentary or emphasis that would suggest a specific
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 88): The article accurately reports the lowest unemployment rate since 1990 with specific numbers and comparisons. It maintains an objective tone while providing contextual details about the types of job seekers and employment trends.
DeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 8522 hr. agoThe article reports that Slovenia has recorded the lowest number of registered unemployed individuals since 1990, according to data from the Employment Office. However, it highlights challenging conditions for the labor market, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. While there was a slight decrease in unemployment compared to May and June of the previous year, the number of new registrations increased due to more overfilled workers and bankruptcies. The article notes that the labor market still faces a shortage of workforce, impacting employment opportunities, especially in industries like manufacturing and construction. It also emphasizes that certain demographic groups, such as young people aged 20–29, remain particularly vulnerable during economic downturns, with their situation worsening first. The report includes findings from macroeconomic analysis units indicating significant disparities among different population groups in terms of labor market participation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data about the labor market without overtly favoring any political ideology. It discusses challenges faced by various groups without taking a clear partisan stance. While it mentions economic difficulties and vulnerability of specific demographics, it does not frame the
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article accurately reports the record-low unemployment rate and includes relevant statistics. While it notes challenges in certain sectors, the tone remains mostly objective though slightly more analytical than purely neutral.
Bloomberg AdriaIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 70yesterdayThe article discusses unemployment rates within the European Union, noting that they remain stable. Slovenia's unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, which is below the EU average. The piece highlights this statistic but does not provide further context or analysis regarding the factors contributing to Slovenia's lower unemployment rate compared to other EU countries.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward statistical comparison between Slovenia's unemployment rate and the EU average without overtly favoring any particular political perspective. It lacks framing that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 70): The article does not provide specific numerical data but mentions Slovenia's unemployment rate is below the EU average at 4.1%. However, no concrete figures or sources are given, making it difficult to verify accuracy. The tone appears neutral but lacks depth.
Maribor24IndependentCenteryesterdayIn June, Slovenia recorded the lowest unemployment rate since 1990, with 42,245 registered unemployed individuals, a decrease of 1.9% compared to May and 0.4% compared to June of the previous year. A total of 4,039 new people registered as unemployed during the month, representing a 1.7% increase from May and a 7% rise from June last year. The majority of these new registrations were due to temporary employment contracts ending (1,586 cases), surplus workers (758), layoffs due to bankruptcy (84), and first-time job seekers (303). Unemployment related to bankruptcies increased by 75% compared to the previous month. Compared to June of last year, there was a 2.7% increase in those registering after temporary jobs ended and a 140% rise in those laid off due to bankruptcies. Meanwhile, first-time job seekers decreased by 11.9%. Nearly three thousand people opted for self-employment, though this number was lower than in previous months.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data on unemployment rates and their changes over time without overtly favoring any political perspective. It provides numerical comparisons and categorizes reasons for unemployment but does not include commentary or framing that would indicate a clear ideological sl
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