Hungary’s labour market continues to show resilience, with the number of registered jobseekers dropping significantly over the past decade, according to the latest figures released by the National Employment Service.
In March 2026, the number of registered jobseekers stood at 222,954, a decrease of nearly 10,000 compared to the same period last year, and roughly 420,000 fewer than in 2010. The data was highlighted by Sándor Czomba, State Secretary for Employment Policy at the Ministry for National Economy.
Despite ongoing external challenges, including the prolonged effects of war and a difficult global economic environment, Hungary’s unemployment rate remains below the European Union average, while employment levels rank among the highest in the bloc, the statement said.
Czomba also warned that external political and economic pressures could pose risks to Hungarian jobs. He argued that policies aimed at cutting off access to cheaper energy sources could increase costs for households and businesses, potentially impacting employment.
The government, he added, continues to prioritize job creation and labour market participation through targeted programmes designed to help jobseekers return to work as quickly as possible.
Among these initiatives is the Youth Guarantee Plus programme, co-financed by the European Union, which has already supported more than 30,000 young people in entering the labour market. The scheme was expanded earlier this year, raising the upper limit for wage subsidies and strengthening mentoring support.
Additional measures include the reintroduction of mobility support schemes such as travel and housing assistance programmes for 2026, aimed at helping workers access job opportunities in different regions.
The government has also relaunched its programme designed to transition public workers into the private sector. The initiative has already helped more than 20,000 participants move into competitive employment and seeks to further encourage those with the necessary skills and motivation to find jobs outside public work schemes.
Overall, the figures point to a sustained improvement in Hungary’s labour market over the past decade, with policymakers emphasizing both structural reforms and targeted support programmes as key drivers behind the decline in unemployment.
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