ZAGREB, 11 March (Hina) - At the end of February this year, 96,313 unemployed persons were registered with the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ), which is 17.3% or 20,121 fewer people compared to February 2024, according to data released by the HZZ on Monday.

Compared to January, the number of the unemployed decreased by 1.1% or 1,028 persons.

Highest employment recorded in manufacturing industry, trade, and hospitality

A total of 8,185 people were employed in February, with 7,635 persons, or 93.3%, employed based on an employment contract.

As many as 1,194 persons found employment in the manufacturing industry (15.6%). This is followed by wholesale and retail trade with 1,171 persons or 15.3%, and accommodation, food preparation and service with 1,043 newly-employed persons or 13.7%.

26.3% of the unemployed on the dole

In February, 25,377 people, or 26.3% of the total number of the unemployed, were receiving unemployment benefits. The number of benefit recipients increased by 3.2% or 796 persons compared to the same month in 2024.

In February, 11,732 job vacancies were advertised through the services of the HZZ, indicating a need for 20,228 workers. The number of required workers decreased by 17.4% compared to the same month last year.