Unemployment edges up despite big rise in number in work

(ANSA) - Rome, July 29 - Italy's unemployment rate rose to 11.6% in June, up 0.1 of a percentage point on the previous month, Istat said on Friday.
    The rate rose even thought the number of people in employment actually rose by 71,000 (0.3%) in June with respect to May and by 329,000 compared to the same month in 2015, continuing a positive trend that was also registered in the previous three months. The national statistics agency said the number of people in employment in the second quarter was 145,000 higher (0.6%) than in the first three months of the year.
    The unemployment rate for 15-24-year-olds who are on the labour market dropped to 36.5% in June, down 0.3 of a percentage point on May, Istat said.
    It is the lowest level since October 2012, the national statistics agency said.
    Premier Matteo Renzi on Friday said data showed his government's controversial Jobs Act labour reform was working. "Deeds not words," Renzi posted on his Twitter account, @matteorenzi. "Since February 2014 Istat certifies 599,000 more jobs.
    These are stories, lives, people. This is the Jobs Act". Renzi took over as premier in February 2014.
    The Jobs Act, among other things, waters down the law protecting workers from unfair dismissal for new hires, giving them gradually rising levels of job protection, in a bid to encourage firms to take people on with permanent open-ended contracts.