June 2025 Labour Force Statistics Overview

Summary of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin - June 2025

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin for June 2025 presents essential labor market indicators based on current weekly status (CWS). The findings depict trends in labor force participation, worker population ratios, and unemployment rates.

Key Findings:

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

  • The LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above was 54.2% in June 2025, slightly down from 54.8% in May 2025.
  • In rural areas, LFPR was 56.1%, while urban areas reported 50.4%.
  • For males aged 15 years and above, LFPR was 78.1% (rural) and 75.0% (urban), indicating a marginal decline. The LFPR for females was notably lower at 35.2% (rural).

• Worker Population Ratio (WPR):

  • The WPR for the same age group was 51.2% nationally, decreasing from 51.7% in May 2025.
  • WPR in rural areas was 53.3% and 46.8% in urban areas.
  • The overall female WPR stood at 30.2% with 33.6% in rural and 22.9% in urban areas.

• Unemployment Rate (UR):

  • The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above remained steady at 5.6% in both May and June 2025.

Influencing Factors:

• The observed decline in LFPR and WPR is attributed to:

  • Seasonal agricultural patterns: Many engaged in agricultural work transitioned to domestic chores due to intense summer heat.
  • Rural female workforce participation saw a pronounced decline, notably among higher-income households, with many unpaid helpers reporting engagement in domestic duties.
  • The share of rural female workers in agriculture fell from 70.2% to 69.8%.

• An increase in own-account work contributed to a reduction in the unemployment rate, suggesting individuals engaged in informal, self-initiated activities like petty trade or repair work.

Methodology and Sample Design:

• The revamped PLFS design initiated in January 2025 aims to provide enhanced estimates for key employment indicators on a monthly basis for both rural and urban areas.
• The sampling methodology employs a rotational panel design, visiting selected households over four consecutive months to ensure data reliability.
• The sample comprised 89,493 households, with 3,80,538 individuals surveyed nationwide.

Comparative Analysis (April - June 2025):

• The LFPR has seen a general decline in youth participation:

  • For age group 15-29 years, the LFPR fell from 43.4% in April to 41.1% by June.

• Worker Population Ratio and Unemployment Rate:

  • The youth WPR decreased across rural and urban settings, evidencing challenges faced by this demographic in securing employment.

Conclusion:

The PLFS indicators for June 2025 illustrate thematic shifts in labor participation in India, with significant seasonal influences observed in rural sectors affecting employment trends. Continued updates from the PLFS serve as critical data points for policy formulation aimed at enhancing employment growth and addressing labor force issues in the country.

Important Points:

• LFPR in CWS: 54.2% nationally (June 2025), down from 54.8% (May 2025).
• Rural areas LFPR: 56.1%; Urban areas LFPR: 50.4%.
• Male LFPR (rural/urban): 78.1% / 75.0%; Female LFPR (rural): 35.2%.
• WPR nationally: 51.2%, down from 51.7% (May 2025).
• Unemployment rate stable at 5.6%.
• Seasonal agricultural patterns significantly influence labor participation.
• Survey methodology revamped for enhanced accuracy post-January 2025.