Registered unemployment rose in Cyprus in June, with significant increases attributed to sectors like accommodation and food services, public administration, education, and health and social work, according to the latest figures from the Statistical Service (Cystat).
On the final day of June 2026, the total number of registered unemployed reached 10,056, a sharp rise from 9,153 in the same month last year. This represents an annual increase of 903 individuals, or 9.9%. The figures indicate a marked upward trend compared to May, when the number of registered unemployed stood at 7,936.
This fluctuation partly reflects the seasonal nature of unemployment in Cyprus, particularly in education and public administration sectors. On a seasonally adjusted basis, which provides a clearer picture of underlying trends, the registered unemployment modestly increased to 10,656 persons in June, up from 10,543 in May. Throughout the first half of the year, the seasonally adjusted figure has consistently remained above 10,000.
Registered unemployment: Sector-Specific Trends
Public administration and defence recorded the highest number of unemployed in June, with 2,306 individuals registered, an increase from 2,171 in June 2025 and significantly higher than the 706 recorded in May. Wholesale and retail trade followed closely, with 1,362 registered unemployed, a rise from 1,297 a year earlier and slightly higher than May’s 1,380.
Education also saw a notable uptick, with registered unemployed rising to 1,004 in June from 895 the previous year, and sharply higher than the 290 recorded in May. The accommodation and food service sector accounted for 934 registered unemployed in June, up from 762 in the same month last year but down from 1,177 in May.
In the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector, 813 individuals were registered as unemployed, compared with 743 in June 2025 and 812 in May. Additionally, the information and communication sector reported an increase to 479 unemployed from 412 a year earlier, while human health and social work saw an uptick to 329 from 256.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Months
The financial and insurance activities sector reported 395 registered unemployed, a slight increase from 380 in June 2025 but lower than the 405 recorded in May. Manufacturing also registered a year-on-year increase, with 471 unemployed in June compared to 402 a year earlier. The construction sector, however, saw a decrease to 366, down from 401 in June 2025 and unchanged from May.
Transportation and storage recorded 310 registered unemployed, up from 244 a year earlier but lower than 323 in May. Smaller annual increases were noted in real estate, arts and entertainment, and other service activities. Conversely, some sectors experienced a drop in registered unemployed compared to a year earlier. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing fell to 51 from 55, while water supply and waste management dropped to 13 from 26.
Understanding the Data
Cystat clarified that these figures refer to individuals aged 15 and over who are registered with district and local labour offices, are able and available for work, and are actively seeking employment. The ongoing increase in registered unemployment raises questions about the current economic landscape and the effectiveness of job creation initiatives in Cyprus.
