Mixed news from January 2024 jobs report
The number of unemployed ticked up slightly, while the number temporarily absent or who ceased looking for work has gone down since December.
The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics published its jobs survey for January 2024 today (Monday), revealing a mixed recovery in job numbers compared to December 2024.
The war has taken its toll on Israel's economy, with a large increase in spending to pay for the war and the civilian rear, and a significant number of men and women of working age forced to fight in the reserves. As the war in Gaza shifts to a more pinpoint phase, tens of thousands of soldiers have been released temporarily, possibly helping the numbers below.
Per the ICBS report, unemployment increased by about 10,000 people or 0.3% from December to January. However, the number of those temporarily absent from work for whatever reason and those who gave up on looking for work has decreased significantly - by about 70,000 or 0.9%.