Canada's unemployed are increasingly stuck, with difficulty getting interviews and work, according to Express Employment Professionals’ third annual State of the Unemployed national survey, released today. Canada's unemployed are now out of work for an average of 16 months, compared to 14 months in 2015. Nearly half, 44%, have not had a full-time job in more than a year.

The survey found 36% have "completely given up on looking for a job,” down from 38% in 2015 and 39% in 2014. However, 59% of the long-term unemployed — unemployed more than two years — have given up.

Additionally, 49% have not had an interview in the last month and 25% of total unemployed have not had an interview since the fourth quarter of 2014 or earlier

The largest group of the unemployed is the youngest age group: 34% are ages 18 to 29 and 24% are ages 30 to 39. Twelve percent did not complete high school while 29% received only a high school diploma.

“This year's poll confirms that the unemployed in Canada are increasingly stuck,” said Express Employment Professionals CEO Bob Funk. “They are having difficulty securing a job and the challenge is getting harder. We need businesses and labor joining together to teach more skills to workers, especially to young people. There are high-paying trade jobs available, but there are not enough people with the skills needed.”

The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals included 1,892 Canadians from May 5 to May 31, 2016.