Official data from the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional or IEFP) show the number of unemployed registered at employment centres fell 10.8% year‑on‑year in December, with little change from November. Coverage across national outlets emphasises the IEFP figures (which track registered jobseekers at employment centres) rather than the household survey; seasonal factors and local labour demand will still shape prospects in the coming months. Jobseekers and those searching for work should check with their local employment centre for updated vacancies and programmes administered by the IEFP.