Bedarbiai

Bedarbiai refers to unemployed people in Lithuania. The term denotes individuals of working age who are not currently employed, are available for work, and are actively seeking employment, in line with international definitions such as those of the ILO. In practice, bedarbiai often refers to people registered with the state employment service.

Official unemployment data in Lithuania are derived from two main sources. Statistics Lithuania conducts the Labour Force Survey to measure unemployment according to the ILO definition. The state employment service maintains a register of bedarbiai who have registered as job seekers and are eligible for active labor market services. The survey-based and administrative figures can differ because they measure different populations and timeframes.

Bedarbiai vary by age, education, and region. Youth unemployment, long-term unemployment, and regional disparities are persistent concerns. The number of bedarbiai generally rises during economic contractions and falls in upswings, though structural factors can maintain elevated levels in some areas.

Causes include cyclical downturns, skills gaps, sectoral shifts, automation, and geographic or demographic constraints that limit access to suitable jobs.

Impact of unemployment can include reduced household income, higher poverty risk, social exclusion, and adverse mental health effects. Public policy focuses on active labor market measures—such as job search assistance, vocational training and retraining, apprenticeships, wage subsidies for employers, and subsidized employment—alongside unemployment benefits to provide temporary income support.

Historically, bedarbiai have fluctuated with Lithuania’s economic cycles and EU integration, with policy reforms aimed at improving job matching and the effectiveness of active labor market programs.