The number of registered unemployed people in Cyprus rose to 12,385 at the end of August 2026, an increase of 829 people or 7.2% compared with the same month last year, according to data released by CySTAT.
Based on seasonally adjusted data, which reflect the underlying trend in unemployment, the number of registered unemployed increased to 10,671 in August, from 10,563 in July.
According to CySTAT, the year-on-year increase in registered unemployment was mainly attributed to the sectors of public administration, education, administrative and support service activities, and information and communication.
The largest increase in absolute numbers was recorded in public administration and defence, where registered unemployed rose to 3,455 in August 2026, from 3,214 in August 2025 and 3,193 in July 2026.
In education, the number of registered unemployed reached 1,939, compared with 1,818 a year earlier and 1,731 in July. In wholesale and retail trade, 1,404 unemployed people were recorded, up from 1,363 in August 2025, while in professional, scientific and technical activities the number rose to 879, from 792.
An increase compared with August 2025 was also recorded in information and communication activities, where registered unemployed rose to 544 from 451, in administrative and support service activities, to 438 from 340, and in human health and social work activities, to 372 from 348.
By contrast, registered unemployment in accommodation and food service activities fell to 841 in August, from 889 in July, although it remained above the 798 recorded in August 2025.
The actual figures for 2026 show significant seasonal fluctuations. Registered unemployed stood at 12,650 in January, fell to 7,936 in May and rose again to 12,385 in August. In August 2025, 11,556 registered unemployed people were recorded.
(Source: CNA)
