The job vacancy rate in the euro area (EA19) stood at 2.1% in the first quarter of 2018, up from 1.9% in the first quarter of 2017, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

In the EU28, the job vacancy rate was 2.2% in the first quarter of 2018, up from 1.9% in the first quarter of 2017.

When compared to the previous month, the job vacancy rate for the euro area rose by 0.1% while the job vacancy rate for the EU28 rose by 0.2%.

In the euro area, the job vacancy rate in the first quarter of 2018 was 1.9% in industry and construction, and 2.4% in services. In the EU28, the rate was 2.0% in industry and construction, and 2.4% in services.

Among the member states for which comparable data are available, the highest job vacancy rates in the first quarter of 2018 were recorded in the Czech Republic (4.8%), Belgium (3.5%), Germany and Sweden (both 2.9%).

In contrast, the lowest rates were observed in Greece (0.7%), Spain and Portugal (both 0.9%), Bulgaria and Ireland (both 1.0%).