In the first quarter of 2016 most of the Labor market indicators continue to show improvement, also thanks to the growth of the Italian economy at a slightly higher rate than that recorded in the second half of last year. The increase in GDP, equal to 0,3% on a cyclical basis and 1% in trend terms, is characterized by a growing use of labour: the total hours worked increase by 0,5% on the previous quarter and by 2,1, XNUMX% on an annual basis.
According to Istat, employment in the first quarter of 2016 is therefore equal, net of seasonal effects, to 22 million 558 thousand people, a moderate increase compared to the previous quarter (+0,1%). But the main news is the new increase in permanent employees (+0,5%, +75 thousand), against the decrease in fixed-term employees (-2,4%, -57 thousand) and the stability of the self-employed. The unemployment rate, on the other hand, remained stable at 11,6% compared to the previous quarter and the inactivity rate decreased slightly (-0,1 points) reaching 35,7%.
Meanwhile, in the morning, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spoke during the general assembly of Confcommercio, where he made "the commitment to Don't raise VAT in 2017” and where he was also booed by part of the audience. "More courage and less taxes: I agree with you", added Renzi reacting forcefully to the protests and referring to the intervention of the president of the organisation, Carlo Sangalli, who had expressed positive words regarding the Government's work: "The Renzi Government must be recognized for having restored the dimension of growth within the Stability Pact to its proper dignity".
