The article examines the threat of unemployment, its causes and consequences, the impact of unemployment on the country's economy, as well as on economic security. The dynamics of unemployment for the period 2017-2022 in the Kemerovo region is presented. The reasons for the reduction of employment of the able-bodied population are considered. The consequences of unemployment lead to an increase in government spending on social benefits, to an increase in socio-political tension in society. Overcoming unemployment will be facilitated by conditions for the development of production, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of jobs. The concept of socio-economic development of the country provides more flexible forms of employment, ample opportunities for youth employment, as well as more favorable conditions for the entrepreneurial activity of the unemployed.