OECD youth unemployment rose to 11.5% in September as overall rate held at 5%

Unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds across the OECD rose to 11.5% in September, its highest rate so far in 2026, the organisation reported on November 10. The rate rose 0.2 percentage points from August. Among people aged 25 and over, it held at 4.2%. [evidence-1]

The overall unemployment rate stayed at 5.0% in September. The OECD counted 35.2 million unemployed people. [evidence-1]

Overall rates varied widely among members. Finland recorded 11.0% and Spain 10.3%. In Czechia, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, the rate was 3% or lower. [evidence-1]