OECD analyzed labour market developments in OECD member countries.

As of May 2025, the unemployment rate remained at a historically low level of 4.9%. Employment and labour force participation reached record highs: the average employment rate stood at 72.1% in Q1 2025, while the participation rate reached 76.6%.

Part-time employment remained stable on average, though its structure changed: the share of involuntary part-time work declined, while voluntary part-time increased. This reflects both workers’ shifting preferences toward family commitments after the pandemic and employers’ greater willingness to offer flexible schedules in tight labour markets.

Real wages are rising in almost all OECD countries: in Q1 2025, positive dynamics were recorded in 33 out of 37 countries, with an average growth of 2.5%. However, in half of the countries, wage levels remain below those observed in early 2021. The statutory minimum wage also increased in 30 countries, by an average of 7.9% compared with 2021.

OECD labour markets continue to demonstrate strong resilience, but risks of a slowdown persist under the influence of global geopolitical and trade factors.