Nicosia, Cyprus. Registered unemployment in Cyprus eased slightly in January, according to official data, despite seasonal pressures typically seen at the start of the year. The Statistical Service (Cystat) reported 12,650 unemployed persons registered at district labour offices at the end of January 2026.
Seasonally adjusted decline
On a seasonally adjusted basis, registered unemployment fell to 9,848 in January from 9,863 in December, Cystat said.
Year-on-year change
Compared with January last year, registered unemployment declined by 497 persons, or 3.8%, according to the data.
Sectors driving the reduction
The reduction was driven mainly by fewer unemployed in construction, accommodation and food service activities, trade and manufacturing, while a decline was also recorded among new entrants to the labour market.
Registered unemployment by sector
Accommodation and food services accounted for the largest share of registered unemployed, with 4,607 persons recorded in January. This was followed by wholesale and retail trade with 1,781, transportation and storage with 680, and professional, scientific and technical activities with 842.
Construction and manufacturing
In construction, registered unemployment stood at 395, slightly higher than in December but still well below year-earlier levels. Manufacturing unemployment rose month-on-month to 510, while information and communication reached 413.
New entrants
The number of newcomers registering as unemployed fell to 268, down from 385 a year earlier.
How do you expect changes in unemployment across sectors to affect Cyprus’ labour market in the coming months?