ROME -- The level of employment in Italy is now back on the rise and the level of ‘inactivity,' those not working nor seeking work, is at a record low not seen since 1977, according to Istat, the state-run National Institute of Statistics.

 The level of unemployment had risen to 11.7 percent in Sept. 2016, an increase of 0.2 percent compared to the month previous. In September, the estimate number of Italians out of work rose by two percent, equivalent to over 60,000, following the fall noted in July (down by 1.1 percent) and August (down by 0.1 percent), according to Istat.

 The number of those looking for a job is above three million, an increase of approximately 3.4 percent (98,000) over the annual average.

 However, simultaneously, compared to August, employment levels have risen by 0.2 percent. The value of unemployment is at the same level in as Feb. 2015.

 Istat reveals, “The majority participation in the work market during the month of September, in terms of either those in work or those looking for work, is associated with the reduction of the ‘inactivity’ of the population, referring to those between the ages of 15 and 64 -- down by 0.9 percent, approximately 127,000.”

 A decline has also been noted, in fact, in the annual average base level of such ‘inactivity,’ down by 508,000.

 The level of ‘inactivity’ has fallen to 34.8 percent, a record low since 1977. Hence, this decrease explains the simultaneous rise in either the employment level and unemployment level.

 Youth unemployment has also fallen. In September, the level of unemployment of 15-24-year-olds was at 37.1 percent, a fall of 1.2 percent since the previous month.

 sw