Employment
The employment-to-population ratio (EPR) remained constant to 53.8 % in May 2026 (Q2), compared to May 2025 (Q2). This stability was observed across both males and females. In May 2026 (Q2), the EPR remained higher among males (61.8%) than females (46.6 %).
Unemployment
In May 2026(Q2), the unemployment rate was 13.4 % indicating roughly one unemployed person for every seven persons in the labour force. This rate remained stable compared to May 2025 (Q2). The unemployment rate was higher among females (15.5 %) compared to males (11.6 %). Furthermore, youth experienced a higher unemployment rate (15.7 %) compared to adults (11.9 %). The unemployment rate was high in urban (14.1 %) than rural areas (13.1%).
Labour underutilization
The unemployment rate alone does not fully reflect unmet employment needs. A more complete assessment requires consideration of other components such as time-related underemployment and potential labour force.
The labour underutilization rate stood at 59.7 % in May 2026 (Q2). This rate was higher among females (66.1 %) than among males (52.9 %) and was equal among youth (59.7 %) and adults (59.7 %). The labour
underutilization rate increased by 2.6 percentage points in May 2026 (Q2) compared to May 2025 (Q2).