We know Estonia
16.8.2022 | Estonia

Number of unemployed falls in second quarter of 2022

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Craig Whitehead / Unsplash

Number of unemployed falls in second quarter of 2022

 

According to the latest data from Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate fell to 5.8% or 41,700 individuals.

In the second quarter of 2022 (April, May and June) there were 41,700 unemployed persons, which is 5,600 less than at the same time last year. However, this number is 2,100 more than in the first quarter of this year. Of those who were unemployed, 23,700 were men and 18,000 were women.

“The number of unemployed persons increased a little in the second quarter but, looking at recent years, it has been relatively low and mostly in decline overall,” said Katriin Põlluäär, a leading analyst at Statistics Estonia.

In the second quarter, there were 9,000 persons who had been unemployed for more than a year. These are the long-term unemployed. 

“It has been some time since this indicator was so low. The last time that the number of the long-term unemployed was this small was at the beginning of the pandemic in the second quarter of 2020,” noted Põlluäär.

There were 673,500 employed persons in the second quarter, which is 31,600 more than in the second quarter last year. Of the employed, 337,100 were men and 336,400 were women. A quarter of employed persons have a job in the public sector (24%), while the majority (76%) work in the private sector. 84.8% of employed persons worked full-time, with the rest working part-time. 

In the second quarter of 2022, there were 263,200 inactive persons. This number included 116,400 men and 146,800 women. The main reasons for inactivity were retirement, studies and illness or disability.

“The number of inactive persons has decreased compared with the previous quarter and the same quarter of last year. There were 157,100 Estonians and 106,100 non-Estonians among inactive persons,” added Põlluäär.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Employment Employment Estonia Employment Rate Statistics Estonia Unemployment Unemployment Estonia Unemployment Rate

29.5.2026 | Culture

A Piece of Soviet Nostalgia in the Middle of Tallinn’s Skyscrapers

A Piece of Soviet Nostalgia in the Middle of Tallinn’s Skyscrapers

You have probably noticed the almost windowless brown-brick building with curved walls near the Stockmann department store in Tallinn. Did … Read more

27.5.2026 | Estonia

Across Estonia With Extra Summer Bus Services

Across Estonia With Extra Summer Bus Services

  Lux Express, which clearly dominates long-distance bus connections between Estonian cities, is increasing the number of daily departures for … Read more

25.5.2026 | Estonia

Contactless Payment for All Doors on Tallinn Public Transport

Contactless Payment for All Doors on Tallinn Public Transport

From Wednesday, 27 May 2026, passengers on Tallinn public transport buses and trams can pay for their journey at … Read more

19.5.2026 | Estonia

The Gentle Charm of Southern Estonia

The Gentle Charm of Southern Estonia

Far from the rush of the capital and the best-known tourist routes lies Southern Estonia. The region consists of … Read more

15.5.2026 | Estonia

Five Memorable Stops in Eastern Estonia

Five Memorable Stops in Eastern Estonia

The first destination is Estonia’s highest man-made waterfall. Valaste Waterfall is located on the Ontika limestone cliff at the highest … Read more

13.5.2026 | Beauty

New Spas for Eastern Estonia, Viljandi and Tallinn

New Spas for Eastern Estonia, Viljandi and Tallinn

Confidence in spa resorts, sauna centres and spa hotels remains strong within Estonia’s tourism sector. This can be seen … Read more

8.5.2026 | Estonia

What Is Estonia Talking About?

What Is Estonia Talking About?

Uproar Over Classic Mustard—Põltsamaa Mustard Leaves Estonia The beloved Estonian classic product, Põltsamaa mustard, has become the centre of … Read more

28.4.2026 | Estonia

The Safest Caravan Park in Narva

The Safest Caravan Park in Narva

“Is it safe to drive to Eastern Estonia with a motorhome?” is a question often asked at tourist information … Read more