The number of regular Employment Insurance subscribers in March increased by 269,000 from a year earlier, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) said on the 13th. The increase was the largest in two years since March 2024 (272,000). However, 77% of the increase was among those 60 and older, while the number of subscribers age 29 and younger continues to decline. The manufacturing employment chill also persists.
According to the Ministry of Labor's Labor market trends based on employment administration statistics for March 2026 released on the day, the number of regular Employment Insurance subscribers last month was 15,704,000, up 269,000 (1.7%) from a year earlier. The figure has increased by more than 200,000 for three straight months since January this year. The increase was the largest in two years.
Of the increased Employment Insurance subscribers, 77% (208,000) were 60 and older. They were followed by those in their 30s (88,000) and 50s (47,000). In contrast, the number of subscribers age 29 and younger fell by 65,000. It has declined for 42 consecutive months.
By industry, services (280,000) led the increase in Employment Insurance subscribers. The gain was the largest in 3 years and 7 months since August 2022 (316,000). Of the increase in services, 43% were in health and welfare (120,000). Subscribers in accommodation and food services also rose by 51,000, and professional, scientific and technical services, including legal, accounting and research and development, increased by 22,500.
In contrast, the number of Employment Insurance subscribers in manufacturing fell by 5,000, marking a decline for 10 straight months. In autos, the number decreased by 40, turning to a decline for the first time in 5 years and 1 month since February 2021. Textiles decreased by 2,900 and chemicals by 1,400. The decline in chemical manufacturing was the largest in 4 years and 4 months since November 2021 (-1,900).
Within manufacturing, semiconductors increased by 4,400, showing wide differences by sector. The job opening-to-applicant ratio, meaning the number of jobs per job seeker, was 0.36, a slight rise from the same month a year earlier (0.32).