FX.co ★ Russia Jobless Rate Ticks Down as Expected

Russia’s unemployment rate eased to 2.2% in August 2026 from 2.3% in July, in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed decreased by 0.1 million to 1.6 million, while the labor force expanded to 76.7 million. Employment climbed to 75 million, its highest level since August 2025. Registered unemployment remained low at about 0.3 million people, or 0.4% of the labor force. Labor market conditions remain tight, reflecting persistent worker shortages across many sectors amid ongoing military mobilization following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continued emigration. Authorities expect labor constraints to endure, forecasting a worker shortfall of around 3.1 million by 2030.