The unemployment rate in Sweden went up to 8.5% in August, up from 7.8% in July, Statistics Sweden reported.
The number of the unemployed was 505,000 people and the employed were approximately 5.4 million people during the month. The number of jobs was 103,000 more than in August 2025.
It was the latest rise following a drop in unemployment from 9.9% in June to 7.8% in July. The seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment also rose in August to 8.9% from 8.6% in July, according to separate figures.
Inflation was low while unemployment was high, Sweden’s central bank said as it maintained its policy rate unchanged. The bank also added that the pressures on underlying inflation may start up again if growth and inflation are stronger than they expect.
The new labour market data refers to individuals aged 15-74, and is drawn from Statistics Sweden’s monthly Labour Force Survey.
Note source: Statistics Sweden
