Italy : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Italy was hit hard by the economic crisis of 2008/09 and is still recovering. Many industries suffered including construction, IT, telecommunications and the health sector. Unemployment also increased and there remains a shortage of jobs in certain sectors. UK graduates will be in competition with Italian nationals for available jobs.

• Typical problems encountered: the recession created a rise in the amount of temporary contracts available, with many industries choosing temporary workers over permanent staff. This means UK citizens could find it difficult to get a permanent or long-term job. For non-EU citizens it may be difficult to obtain a work visa. 
• How to improve your chances: before travelling, do as much research as you can about the openings available so that you do not have unrealistic expectations. Be prepared to do temporary work, with the possibility of having to take on several temporary contracts during your time in the country.
• Language requirements: graduates who do not have a grasp of the Italian language will be at a distinct disadvantage. English is not generally widely spoken by the older generation, although the young are enthusiastic learners. For all jobs other than English teaching, and possibly IT, a good knowledge of Italian is essential. Italians are known to be very friendly and helpful in assisting Italian learners. German, French and Slovenian are spoken in the regions of Italy that border the respective countries. The University for Foreigners Perugia and University for Foreigners Siena offer a number of language and culture courses.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: machinery manufacture, textiles, clothing, tourism, chemicals, wine and motor vehicles. The manufacturing industry is located mainly in the northern regions of Lombardy, Piemonte and Liguria.
• Industries in decline: following the recession there has been a decline in agriculture, telecommunications, IT and the health sector.
• Shortage occupations: industrial production, specialist technical sectors, sales staff (on temporary contracts), skilled seasonal staff, e.g. cooks, waiters, receptionists, labourers on vineyards etc.
• Major companies: Eni (oil and gas), Assicurazioni Generali (insurance), Fiat, UniCredito Italiano (banking), ENEL (electricity generation), Telecom Italia, Intesa Sanpaolo (banking), Finmeccanica (aerospace and defence).
• Search for more companies: the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy has a list of companies with a presence in Italy. Kompass is a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service. Europages, English Yellow Pages for Italy and Pagine Gialle (Italian Yellow Pages) have details of Italian companies.
• Major cities: Rome (capital), Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Catania, Bari and Venice. 

What’s it like working in Italy?

• Average working hours: the normal working week is 40 hours, although collective contracts may lead to a shorter working week. The maximum number of hours worked in one week should not exceed 48 (including overtime).
• Holidays: all workers are entitled to a minimum of four weeks' annual leave. On average, though, annual leave entitlement ranges from 25 to 30 days, depending on length of service, in addition to ten days’ statutory public holiday.
• Tax rates: income tax rates in Italy are progressive and range from 23% for those earning under €15,000 to 43% for those earning over €75,000.
• Working practices and customs: personal contacts are very important in Italy, as is networking and making an effort to greet employers personally.