Urban men lose jobs, women gain

The latest Quarterly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), released in February 2025, indicates a marginal uptick in urban unemployment among men during the third quarter of the 2024 calendar year — covering the months from October to December. 

Compared to the same period in the previous year, this slight increase in joblessness among men may seem concerning in isolation, but the broader picture reveals a more balanced outlook.

Women rising at the cost of men?

According to the survey findings, the rise in unemployment among urban men has been mitigated by a notable improvement in women's employment indicators. The urban women's unemployment rate declined during the quarter, bringing about a net positive shift in the overall unemployment rate for urban India. The data points to an encouraging trend of greater labour market participation among women — a demographic that has historically faced structural and societal barriers to sustained employment.

This reversal in unemployment trends among women is being interpreted by some labour economists as a potential outcome of post-pandemic recovery measures, digital inclusion initiatives, and increased remote work opportunities. Many women, particularly in urban settings, are finding flexible and hybrid work options more accessible. Moreover, government policies targeting women’s skill development, entrepreneurship, and formalisation of the gig economy may also be contributing to this shift.

Agency and methodology

The PLFS bulletin includes a detailed state-wise breakdown based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach. This metric considers an individual to be unemployed during a given week if they did not work for even an hour on any day of that week, while still being available for or actively seeking employment. The method provides a snapshot of short-term employment trends, especially useful in capturing fluctuations in the informal sector.

Among Indian states and union territories, Gujarat emerged with the lowest unemployment rate at just 3%, reflecting its relatively strong industrial base and continued investment in manufacturing and services. On the other end of the spectrum, the highest unemployment rate was recorded in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir—now split into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — with a rate of 13.1%. This stark disparity draws attention to the regional imbalances in employment opportunities, which are often shaped by security concerns, limited industrial activity, and geographic constraints.

The survey was conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Data collection for this quarter spanned 5,742 sample blocks across the country, incorporating responses from 45,074 households and covering a total of 1,70,487 individuals. Such a wide-ranging survey offers a comprehensive view of India’s urban labour market and supports policymakers in crafting evidence-based employment strategies.

The PLFS has been instrumental in capturing the post-pandemic recovery dynamics of India’s labour market. After the disruptions caused by COVID-19, there has been a gradual return to normalcy, but the path has not been uniform. Urban centres have witnessed both a resurgence in formal employment and growing informality in sectors such as retail, delivery services, and personal care—sectors that often absorb a significant women's workforce.

Gender-inclusive employment policy needed

In light of the latest PLFS findings, experts have highlighted the importance of sustaining and accelerating gender-inclusive employment policies. The report underscores the need for upskilling programmes, childcare support for working women and access to digital tools to enhance women's workforce participation.

While the slight increase in men's unemployment may point to specific pressures—such as automation in certain industries or economic slowdowns in urban hubs—the improvement in women's employment figures adds an encouraging dimension. Policymakers are urged to delve deeper into the reasons behind both trends to maintain a balanced and inclusive employment trajectory.

Overall, the third quarter PLFS bulletin not only provides insight into immediate employment conditions but also reinforces the importance of continuous labour market monitoring to address emerging disparities and opportunities alike.