Unemployment Rate in Turkey Drops to 7.8 Percent in August
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the number of unemployed individuals decreased by 106,000 in August, and the number of employed persons recorded an increase.
According to the August labor force statistics announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and over decreased by 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous month, standing at 7.8 percent.
Change in the Number of Unemployed
According to the results of the Household Labor Force Survey shared by TÜİK, the number of unemployed persons aged 15 and over decreased by 106,000 in August compared to the previous month, falling to 2 million 740 thousand persons. The unemployment rate was recorded at 6.6 percent for men, while it was estimated at 10.1 percent for women.
Employment Data and Rates
The number of employed persons increased by 136,000 in August 2026 compared to the previous month, reaching 32 million 507 thousand persons. The employment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 48.4 percent. This rate was 65.8 percent for men and 31.5 percent for women.
Labor Force Participation Status
The total labor force increased by 29,000 in August 2026 compared to the previous month, recorded as 35 million 247 thousand persons. The labor force participation rate remained stable at 52.5 percent, while this rate was determined as 70.5 percent for men and 35.0 percent for women.
Unemployment in the Youth Population
In the youth population covering the 15-24 age group, the unemployment rate decreased by 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous month, falling to 13.0 percent. The unemployment rate in this age group was estimated at 9.7 percent for men and 19.4 percent for women.
Working Hours and Idle Labor Force
The average actual weekly working hours of those at work during the reference period increased by 0.5 hours to 42.5 hours. The idle labor force rate increased by 0.4 percentage points, realizing at 31.0 percent.