Madeira Achieves Lowest Unemployment in 23 Years
Madeira GuideIn May 2026, Madeira recorded the lowest unemployment figures in 23 years, reflecting significant economic recovery and growth. This achievement highlights the region's robust labor market performance.
The Autonomous Region of Madeira has recently achieved a significant milestone in its economic journey. As of May 2026, the region recorded its lowest unemployment rate in 23 years, a testament to the island's robust economic recovery and growth trajectory.
According to the Regional Secretariat for Inclusion, Employment, and Youth, the number of unemployed individuals registered at the Madeira Employment Institute dropped to 5,360. This marks a decrease of 158 people compared to April 2026, equivalent to a monthly reduction of 2.9%. Compared to May 2025, there was a substantial year-on-year decline of 9.7%, with 575 fewer people unemployed.
This achievement is the lowest unemployment figure since August 2003, confirming a positive trend of economic revitalization in the region. Madeira's labor market performance has outpaced the national average, with the region experiencing a more significant reduction in its unemployment rate than the 8.7% national average. This places Madeira among the top three regions in Portugal for unemployment reduction.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this achievement is the reduction in youth unemployment. At the end of May, only 670 individuals under 25 were unemployed, representing 12.5% of the total unemployed population. This reflects a 4.0% decrease from the previous month and a 6.0% year-on-year decline.
Long-term unemployment also saw a decline, with a 12.9% decrease from May 2025. This indicates that many individuals who had been out of the workforce for extended periods are now re-entering employment.
The number of new unemployment registrations in May totaled 609, which is a 4.4% decrease compared to April and an 11.4% decrease compared to May 2025. This further underscores Madeira's positive employment trends and the region's resilience.
These figures highlight Madeira's strong economic position and the effectiveness of local employment policies. For both residents and visitors, this news signals a thriving local economy and a promising future for the island's labor market.
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Madeira Guide
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