Success: Hungary records lowest December jobseeker numbers in over 3 decades
According to data from the National Employment Service (Nemzeti Foglalkoztatási Szolgálat, NFSZ), in December 2024, only 220,800 people were listed in the job seeker register, representing a decrease of more than 4,000 compared to the same period of the previous year. The number of job seekers also fell by more than 4,000 compared to the preceding month. This was highlighted in a statement issued on Wednesday by Sándor Czomba.
The State Secretary for Employment Policy at the Ministry of National Economy (Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium, NGM) emphasised that the improvement of the Hungarian labour market is reinforced by the increased economic activity of the 15-64 age group and the growing willingness to work among retirees. These factors collectively contribute to more Hungarians joining the labour market, which has expanded by 1 million people since 2010. The December figure was the lowest for the month in more than three decades, Sándor Czomba said.
The government continues to prioritise supporting job seekers. The Youth Guarantee Plus (Ifjúsági garancia plusz) programme assists individuals under 30, while another EU-funded project provides support for job seekers over 30. Both initiatives aim to facilitate employment through wage subsidies, housing, and travel reimbursements. With the help of these programmes, around 27,000 job seekers have already found employment in the labour market, the State Secretary stressed.
The government is working to ensure families have higher incomes. As part of the 21-measure New Economic Policy Action Plan (Új gazdaságpolitikai akcióterv), a three-year wage agreement has been established, which will increase the minimum wage by 40% by 2027: this year by 9% to HUF 290,800 (EUR 700), in 2026 by 13% to HUF 328,600 (EUR 791), and in 2027 by 14% to HUF 374,600 (EUR 902). To support employers paying minimum wages, the government will allow them to “defer” the payment of the increased social contribution tax. In 2025, they will pay the 2024 rate; in 2026, the 2025 rate; and in 2027, the 2026 rate. The State Secretary reminded the public of this adjustment.
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