Czech Labour Market Analysis: October 2025
The labour market in the Czech Republic developed calmly in October, although the unemployment rate slightly increased. The share of unemployed persons (PNO) reached 4.6%, which represents an increase of 0.1 percentage point compared to September and 0.8 p.p. more than in the same period last year. At the end of the month, the Labour Office of the Czech Republic (ÚP ČR) registered 340,509 job seekers, which is 2,584 more than in September and 51,506 more than a year ago.
At the same time, the supply of job opportunities slightly decreased – employers reported 93,999 vacancies, which is approximately 1,800 positions fewer than in September. Currently, there are on average 3.6 applicants per one job vacancy.
Seasonal Factors and the Stable Core of the Labour Market
According to the ÚP ČR, the October increase is primarily due to seasonal influences. In autumn, work in agriculture, construction, and other weather-dependent sectors ends, and the influx of graduates is also still being reflected in the register.
“The labour market remains very stable despite the minor increase. Companies continue their recruitment activities, especially in logistics, trade, and manufacturing. October thus corresponds to typical seasonal development,” stated Vladimíra Drápalová, Director General of the ÚP ČR.
Comparison with Previous Periods
| Period | Share of Unemployed Persons | Number of Job Seekers | Job Vacancies |
| October 2024 | 3.8 % | 289,003 | 103,642 |
| September 2025 | 4.5 % | 337,925 | 95,766 |
| October 2025 | 4.6 % | 340,509 | 93,999 |
(Source: Labour Office of the Czech Republic, Press Release 10 November 2025)
Regional Differences Are Deepening
The highest unemployment continues to persist in the Ústí nad Labem (6.9%) and Moravian-Silesian regions (6.4%). High values are recorded in the districts of Most (9.7%) and Karviná (9.4%).
Conversely, the lowest unemployment is long-term held by Praha-východ (Prague-East), Praha-západ (Prague-West), Rychnov nad Kněžnou, and Pelhřimov, where the rate remains below 3%.
Support and Retraining
Unemployment benefits were received by 87,454 people in October, which corresponds to approximately a quarter of all registered job seekers. Approximately 1.3 billion CZK was directed towards the payment of benefits and retraining programmes.
The Labour Office also continues with active measures to help people return to the labour market, including targeted retraining programmes and support for labour mobility.
International Perspective: The Czech Labour Market Remains One of the Strongest in the EU
According to the latest data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ), the general (ILO) unemployment rate was 3.1% in September, confirming that the Czech Republic continues to maintain one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire European Union.
The difference from the administrative indicator (PNO) stems from the different methodologies – ČSÚ data are based on the Labour Force Sample Survey (LFSS), while the ÚP ČR records the actually registered job seekers.
Summary: Slight Increase, but Stable Outlook
The October data confirm that the Czech labour market remains resilient and balanced, despite a slight seasonal increase in unemployment. Companies are still looking for workers, especially in manufacturing, logistics, and services.
More significant changes could occur in the winter months, when seasonal employment traditionally slows down and a new cycle of recruitment in the public sector begins simultaneously.