FX.co ★ Austria’s Unemployment Climbs in January, Reaching 379.8K

Austria recorded a rise in unemployment at the start of 2026, with the number of unemployed increasing to 379.8K in January 2026, up from 363.0K in December 2025. The latest figures indicate a net increase of 16.8K unemployed persons over the month.

The data, updated on 2 February 2026, point to a weakening in Austria’s labor market as the country moves into the new year. While no detailed breakdown by sector or region was provided, the January uptick suggests that employers may be responding cautiously to the current economic environment, and that seasonal or structural factors could be weighing on hiring activity.

Market participants and policymakers will be watching upcoming labor data closely to assess whether the January increase marks the beginning of a more persistent trend or a short-term adjustment following the end of 2025. For now, the rise to 379.8K unemployed underscores a more challenging backdrop for Austrian workers and the broader economy entering 2026.