Cyprus labor market and productivity data for first quarter 2026

Total employment in Cyprus reached 513,367 persons in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This figure comprises 460,476 employees and 52,891 self-employed individuals. The total number of hours worked rose by 2.5 per cent to 238,274,000. Key sectors driving these gains included wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, information and communication, and construction. According to Eurostat, Cyprus also outperformed the European Union average in labor productivity growth. Real labor productivity per person in Cyprus rose by 1 per cent, while productivity per hour increased by 0.3 per cent. In contrast, the European Union average productivity growth for the same period was 0.1 per cent per person and per hour. While most EU countries saw productivity growth, Denmark led the bloc with a 4.8 per cent increase, whereas Ireland reported the largest contraction.