**Title: Registered Unemployment Rises in June in Cyprus**
Cyprus experienced a notable increase in registered unemployment in June 2026, according to data released by the Statistical Service (Cystat) on Friday. The total number of unemployed individuals registered at district labour offices reached 10,056, a significant rise from 9,153 in June of the previous year. This represents an annual increase of 903 persons, or 9.9%.
The rise in unemployment was primarily attributed to several key sectors, including accommodation and food services, public administration, education, and health and social work. The figures indicate that the increase in registered unemployment is partly seasonal, particularly influenced by the cyclical nature of employment in sectors such as education and public administration.
When comparing the June figures to those from May 2026, the number of registered unemployed rose sharply from 7,936 to 10,056. However, when adjusted for seasonal factors, the increase in unemployment was more modest. The seasonally adjusted unemployment figure rose to 10,656 in June, up from 10,543 in May. Throughout the first half of the year, the seasonally adjusted unemployment figures have consistently remained above 10,000, with January recording 10,109, February at 10,116, March at 10,300, April at 10,575, and May at 10,543.
A closer examination of the data reveals that public administration and defence accounted for the highest number of registered unemployed in June, with 2,306 individuals. This figure represents an increase from 2,171 in June 2025 and a significant jump from the 706 registered in May. The wholesale and retail trade sector followed, with 1,362 registered unemployed, an increase from 1,297 a year earlier and a slight decrease from 1,380 in May.
Education also showed a marked increase in unemployment, with the number of registered unemployed rising to 1,004 in June from 895 in the same month last year. This figure is notably higher than the 290 recorded in May. The accommodation and food service activities sector reported 934 registered unemployed in June, up from 762 in June 2025, although this was a decrease from 1,177 in May.
Other sectors that experienced increases in registered unemployment included professional, scientific and technical activities, which recorded 813 unemployed individuals, up from 743 in June 2025 and consistent with May's figure of 812. The information and communication sector saw an increase to 479 registered unemployed, compared to 412 a year earlier. Similarly, the human health and social work sector reported an increase to 329 unemployed individuals from 256 in June 2025.
In the financial and insurance activities sector, the number of registered unemployed stood at 395, slightly higher than the 380 recorded in June 2025 but lower than the 405 in May. Manufacturing also saw a year-on-year increase, with 471 registered unemployed in June compared to 402 a year earlier. The construction sector reported 366 unemployed individuals, down from 401 in June 2025 and unchanged from May.
Transportation and storage recorded 310 registered unemployed, an increase from 244 a year earlier but a decrease from 323 in May. Additionally, smaller annual increases were noted in sectors such as real estate activities, arts and entertainment, other service activities, and extra-territorial organisations.
Conversely, some sectors reported a decrease in registered unemployment compared to the previous year. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector saw a drop to 51 unemployed individuals from 55, while the water supply and waste management sector decreased to 13 from 26. Electricity and gas activities recorded 4 registered unemployed, down from 5 in June 2025.
Cystat clarified that the unemployment figures pertain to individuals aged 15 and over who are registered at district and local labour offices, are capable and available for work, and are actively seeking employment. The increase in registered unemployment in June highlights ongoing challenges in the Cypriot job market, particularly in the face of seasonal fluctuations and sector-specific dynamics.