Less precarious, more stable contracts and falling unemployment: work in Italy changes its face, but some shadows remain.
Once upon a time there is a good news, indeed excellent, which cannot be closed lightly: the Italian labor market continues to give encouraging signals. In April 2025, there are 24 million and 200 thousand employees, in line with the previous month but significant increase compared to last year: +1.2%, equal to 282 thousand more people at work. But it’s not just a matter of numbers: it is the quality of the change that changes. An element that must be kept in mind while the left, starting with the CGIL, imposes a referendum to change the rules at work that prove to work very well.
Istat explains it clearly. The annual comparison shows a growth of permanent contracts of 345 thousand units (+2.2%) and the autonomous of 110 thousand (+2.2%), compared to a collapse of the fixed -term contracts (-173 thousand, -6.1%). In other words: the precariousness falls, stable contracts increase. And now who says it to Landini?
The unemployment rate also drops to 5.9%, and the youth one -always one of the most painful Italian plagues -falls to 19.2%, with a clear -1.2% in one year. It is not the best of possible worlds but it is the signal that something moves in the right direction.
However, there is no shortage of shadows. Also according to Istat, behind the monthly stability of the number of employees, a more nuanced picture is hidden: workers are growing, workers between 25 and 34 years old and over 50; Autonomous (+1%) and term employees increase (+0.8%). But employed women fall, young people under 25 and permanent employees (-0.5%). In addition, there is an increase in inactive, that is, those who do not work and no longer seek work: a phenomenon to be monitored carefully.
Gabriele Fava, president of INPS, has caught in the mark: “Today young people are the real priority. Only by increasing the employment base will we get to a sustainable system. We must accompany the children in the world of work, giving them concrete tools to build their social security and social future. “Fava has also recalled the launch of a new INPS space dedicated to young people, including an app designed with their language, to facilitate access to the institute’s services.
The message is clear: More employment means more contributions, and therefore more sustainability for the social security system. But the work of young people – the real, not precarious, non -fictitious – must be built with long -term policies and adequate tools.
Andrea Delmastro of Fratelli d’Italia is also satisfied, which claims the results: “Istat certifies data that make us proud: The drop in unemployment, especially the youth one, is a clear signal that Meloni government policies are working. After years of immobility, today thanks to a courageous plan to support companies and structural reforms, we are building an Italy that looks to the future with optimism “.
Beyond the partisan rhetoric, one fact is undeniable: the Italian labor market is changing. The work grows and does it, for once, in the right direction. Less precariousness, more stable occupation. Bad news for the promoters of the referendum next Sunday.
