Employment Service: 49% of Summer Layoffs in Israel Are Repeat Dismissals
A new report by the Israeli Employment Service reveals a 'revolving door' phenomenon affecting 15,000 summer layoffs. Nearly half of those dismissed face chronic job insecurity, heavily impacting women and older workers.
Approximately 15,000 Israelis were laid off from their jobs during this past summer. However, for half of them, this was not a one-time event but rather a recurring pattern. A new analysis by the Employment Service reveals that this "revolving door" phenomenon severely disrupts employment continuity and social benefits, particularly affecting women, older workers, and educational support staff.
The analysis points to a slight decrease in the number of summer layoffs in 2026, which stood at a maximum of 15,000 workers. This compares to approximately 20.1,000 last year and about 15.8,000 in 2024. Nevertheless, the Employment Service emphasizes that the critical figure is the rate of recurrence.
The Revolving Door Phenomenon
Nearly 49% of those laid off this summer were also dismissed last summer, and more than 36% experienced layoffs two years ago as well. A broader look shows that since 2019, 37% of those laid off during this season found themselves at the employment bureau at least twice.
The practice of seasonal layoffs is far from egalitarian, with women making up 86% of all summer layoffs. The prominent profile of the dismissed worker belongs to educational support roles, post-primary education, sports, and field crops.
In fact, three out of four job seekers who experienced repeated layoffs come from these sectors. The statistical analysis reveals further disparities: the risk of repeat layoffs jumps by 53% among those aged 55 and older compared to younger workers, and is 20% higher among Haredim compared to non-Haredi Jews.
Long-Term Economic Toll
Although these workers return to the labor market faster than regular job seekers—utilizing an average of only 64 unemployment days compared to about 132 days for others—the economic toll is heavy. This system inflicts continuous damage on seniority, pension contributions, and social benefits. The Employment Service explains that identifying this specific group of workers is an essential step toward formulating targeted solutions to mitigate the phenomenon.
Inbal Mashash, Director General of the Employment Service, stated:
"The data shows that the significance of summer layoffs goes far beyond a seasonal phenomenon. The high risk of recurrence, especially among working women in specific occupations, highlights that although summer layoffs return to work within a short time, the repetition over the years creates a cumulative blow to employment continuity, income, seniority, and the social rights of workers."
