According to the labor and employment situation report for Quarter IV/2025 from the General Statistics Office, the number of young people who were neither employed nor participating in education or training—a group often referred to as the "two noes"—decreased by 169,000 compared to Quarter III/2025. However, this figure still marked an increase of 124,000 people when compared to the same period in 2024.

The report also highlighted a disparity in this demographic: the proportion of "two noes" youth was higher in rural areas at 11,7% compared to urban areas at 8%. Female youth also accounted for a higher percentage than males, standing at 12% versus 8,3%.

The General Statistics Office further reported that the unemployment rate for young people aged 15-24 in Quarter IV/2025 reached 9%. This rate is significantly higher than the national average and shows an increase compared to Quarter III/2025 and the previous year. Specifically, in urban areas, youth unemployment surpassed 11%.

These persistent high rates of unemployment and "two noes" youth underscore the challenges young individuals face in finding employment. To address this, authorities must prioritize early career guidance, aligning educational and vocational paths with individual capabilities, and strengthening collaboration between schools and businesses.

Young people seeking jobs in an industrial park in Bac Giang province in early 2023. Photo: Hong Chieu

Beyond unemployment, Quarter IV/2025 saw approximately 2.14 million people nationwide, or 4% of the labor force, not fully utilized. This rate was 3,8% in urban areas and over 4% in rural regions. This underutilized group encompasses the unemployed, the underemployed, and those outside the labor force but willing to work.

The General Statistics Office noted that under normal economic conditions, an underutilized labor force always exists, and this rate typically increases when the economy experiences major shocks. Historically, this rate surged dramatically from Quarter I/2020, peaked in Quarter III/2021, and has since gradually declined, fluctuating around the 4% mark.

Overall, the labor market in Quarter IV/2025 remained stable. However, there are emerging signs that warrant close monitoring, particularly the slight increase in the number of underemployed individuals. Specifically, about 784,000 people were underemployed, an increase of 88,000 compared to Quarter III/2025 and over 19,000 compared to the same period in 2024.

Hong Chieu