2014 unemployment 'highest since 1977'

Italian unemployment in 2014 rose to a record yearly high of 12.7%, up from 12.1% in 2013 and the highest rate since 1977, Istat national statistics bureau said Monday. As of January 2015 the employment rate had risen by 0.3% on a yearly basis to 55.8% or 22,320,000 people employed, Istat said. Italy added 11,000 jobs in January over December, and 131,000 jobs on a yearly basis. January youth unemployment fell to 41.2% from 41.4% the previous month. The jobless rate for people aged 15-14 was 40.8% in August 2013, Istat said.