Nicosia, Cyprus. Total employment in Cyprus’ broad public sector reached 78,388 persons in the first quarter of 2026, up 1.8 per cent from a year earlier, according to the state statistical service Cystat. Employment in general government stood at 73,236 persons, while publicly owned enterprises and companies accounted for 5,152 persons.
Breakdown of public sector employment
Within general government, total employment reached 55,354 persons among state employees, 11,476 persons in non-profit organisations, and 6,406 persons in local authorities.
Annual increase
Compared with the first quarter of 2025, employment in the broad public sector increased by 1,354 persons.
The increase was mainly driven by local authorities, where employment rose by 825 persons, or 14.8 per cent, from 5,581 persons in the first quarter of 2025 to 6,406 persons in the first quarter of 2026.
Local government organisations
Cystat said the increase in local authorities was mainly attributed to higher employment in district local government organisations, where staffing rose by 512 persons, or 55.2 per cent, reaching 1,439 persons from 927 persons a year earlier.
Central government and other entities
Employment in central government increased by 339 persons, corresponding to a 0.5 per cent rise year-on-year, reaching 66,830 persons in the first quarter of 2026.
The number of state employees rose by 111 persons, or 0.2 per cent, from 55,243 persons in the first quarter of 2025 to 55,354 persons in the same quarter of 2026.
Employment in non-profit organisations also increased on an annual basis, rising by 228 persons, or 2 per cent, from 11,248 persons to 11,476 persons.
Publicly owned enterprises and companies recorded an annual increase of 190 persons, corresponding to a 3.8 per cent rise, reaching 5,152 persons from 4,962 persons in the first quarter of 2025.
