Latvia had seventh highest unemployment level in EU in November - Eurostat

RIGA - With 8.1 percent of its working-age population out of work in November of last year, Latvia recorded the eighth highest unemployment rate in the European Union, according to the latest data released by Eurostat.

The seven EU member states reporting higher unemployment than Latvia in November included Spain (16.7 percent), Italy (11 percent), Cyprus (11 percent), Croatia (10.4 percent), France (9.2 percent), Finland (8.4 percent) and Portugal (8.2 percent).

The lowest jobless rate in November – 2.5 percent - was recorded in the Czech Republic, followed by Malta and Germany with 3.6 percent each.

Lithuania’s unemployment rate was seven percent in November.

The EU’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.3 percent in November, down by 0.1 percent since October and the lowest since October 2008. In November 2016, the EU’s jobless rate was 8.3 percent.

In the 19 eurozone countries, the average unemployment rate declined from 8.8 percent to 8.7 percent in November, which was the lowest point since January 2009. In November 2016, the eurozone reported a 9.8 percent unemployment rate.

Estonia, Greece, the UK and Hungary had not reported their unemployment statistics for November 2017.