government workforce — government workforce — Cyprus’ total number of state employees reached 55,571 in April 2026, reflecting a marginal year-on-year increase of 0.1 per cent, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).
- The data reveals that total state employment grew by 81 employees compared to April 2025. However, the civil service specifically saw a slight decline, decreasing by 1 per cent annually.
The data reveals that total state employment grew by 81 employees compared to April 2025. However, the civil service specifically saw a slight decline, decreasing by 1 per cent annually.
Government workforce: Shifts in Public Sector Employment
While civil service employment dipped, the educational sector experienced notable growth, with staffing levels rising by 1.7 per cent. The stability in security forces employment contrasted with the overall trend, remaining unchanged compared to the previous year.
Indefinite vs. Definite Contracts
Cystat reported that the most significant increase in employment occurred among those with contracts of indefinite duration, which saw a rise of 1.8 per cent year-on-year. In stark contrast, employees on definite contracts faced a sharp decline of 2.3 per cent.
Educational Service Leads in Growth
Within the educational service, the rise in indefinite-duration employment was particularly striking, with numbers soaring by 24.8 per cent. This suggests a robust commitment to long-term staffing in educational roles, likely in response to ongoing demands in the sector.
Security Forces Experience Major Decline
Meanwhile, the security forces recorded a staggering 86.9 per cent drop in employees with contracts of definite duration. Cystat attributed this significant decrease to the completion and subsequent non-renewal of specific contracts in July 2025, indicating a strategic shift within the organisational structure of these forces.
Trends Over the First Quarter of 2026
Looking at the broader picture, between January and April 2026, the average total number of state employees showed a modest increase of 0.2 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. This trend may highlight a gradual recovery or adjustment within the public sector in response to changing economic conditions.
