The Czech labor market concluded 2025 with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. This 0.2 percentage point increase compared to November aligns with annual seasonal trends, such as the wind-down of outdoor work and the expiration of fixed-term contracts. Year-on-year, however, the situation has deteriorated significantly – unemployment has risen by 0.7 percentage points.
📊 Key Indicators for December 2025
At the end of the year, the Labor Office of the Czech Republic recorded historically high numbers of job seekers combined with a declining supply of vacancies.
- 👥 Total Job Seekers: 354,314 individuals (a month-on-month increase of 13,003).
- 💼 Job Vacancies: 87,422 positions were available, down by 3,205 from November.
- ⚖️ Market Ratio: On average, there are now 4.1 applicants for every single vacancy.
- 👩stat Demographics: Women account for more than half (52.5%) of seekers, while approximately one-third (36.3%) are in the 50+ age category.
🗺️ Regional Comparison: The North Under Pressure
December data confirms a widening gap between regions. While Prague and its surroundings maintain low rates, structurally disadvantaged regions face a much heavier burden.
| Region | Unemployment Rate (12/2025) | Applicants per Vacancy |
| Prague | 3.6% | 1.6 |
| Plzeň Region | 3.9% | 2.3 |
| Pardubice Region | 3.9% | 3.0 |
| South Moravian Region | 5.4% | 6.7 |
| Moravian-Silesian Region | 6.6% | 8.8 |
| Ústí nad Labem Region | 7.1% | 9.1 |
📍 Key Finding: The most critical situations are in the districts of Most (9.9%) and Karviná (9.6%). In the Karviná district, there are an extreme 21.1 applicants per vacancy.
🏭 Job Vacancies by Key Sectors: Where is Work Still Available?
Despite the decline in the total number of positions, some sectors maintain high demand, though often limited to specific qualifications.
- 🏗️ Construction & Technical Professions: Employers show the most interest in building construction workers, assembly workers, and truck drivers.
- 📦 Logistics & Warehousing: Demand continues for forklift operators and warehouse staff.
- 🩺 Healthcare & Social Care: Despite the overall slowdown, there is a persistent need for qualified personnel, particularly for individuals with employment barriers.
🎓 Active Labor Policy and the “Flexi-amendment”
In 2025, the state made record investments in workforce adaptability. The Labor Office supported a total of 143,000 individuals through retraining and further education. Over 81,000 people completed digital education courses funded by the National Recovery Plan. December data also begins to reflect the impact of the legislative “Flexi-amendment,” as some applicants delayed their benefit requests until the start of the new year.