Fewer Filipinos working as unemployment jumps to 6% in July

About 550,000 more Filipinos were jobless in July as employment fell by 1.45 million from June, according to PSA.

The job market took a tougher turn in July, with fewer Filipinos employed and a sharp increase in the number of people without work.

Unemployment climbed to 6% from 4.9% in June, meaning about 3.14 million Filipinos were jobless, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. That’s about 550,000 more jobless people than the 2.59 million recorded in June.

The number of employed Filipinos also fell by about 1.45 million to 49.21 million from 50.66 million in June. Still, July’s employment figure was higher than the 46.05 million recorded a year earlier, while the unemployment rate was unchanged from July 2025.

The numbers point to a tougher job search for workers, while businesses face the challenge of creating enough opportunities to absorb people looking for work.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development said the mixed employment figures underscore the need to strengthen support for workers and businesses, including investments in high-growth industries, skills training and programs that help people move into formal employment.

Underemployment also eased to 12.9% in July from 15.2% in April and 14.8% a year earlier, but 6.33 million workers still wanted additional hours, another job or longer working hours.

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