In March of this year 3.7 percent of the economically active population was unemployed, lower than the 3.9 percent unemployment rate in of March 2015, and the lowest it has been since June 2008.
The National Statistics and Geography Institute (INEGI) said that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March 2016 was 4.2 percent, slightly lower than that of the previous month, which was 4.3 percent.
The data shows that although absolute unemployment was at its lowest since June 2008 in March, the seasonally adjusted rate only shows a modest decline.
INEGI said that, including the informal sector, 57.5 percent of the population was employed in March 2016, which suggests a minor decline in unemployment compared to February, using seasonally adjusted data.
The states or federal entities with the highest unemployment rates in March 2016 were Tabasco, at 7.4 percent; Mexico City, at 5.7 percent; and Sonora, at 5.2 percent. Those with the lowest rates were Yucatán, at 2.0 percent; Oaxaca, at 2.1 percent; and Guerrero, at 2.5 percent.
According to the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE), which considers the working-age population as everyone 15 years of age and older, 59.4 percent of the working age population is economically active, which is defined as employed or looking for employment. The others work at home, study, are retired, are disabled or do other activities.
The ENOE’s preliminary report said that in March 2016, the under-employed population, who say they need and are willing to work more hours, represents 7.9 percent of the employed population. The same figure was reported in February 2016.
