Cyprus employment increased 1.7% year over year to an estimated 525,167 people in the second quarter of 2026, according to the state statistical service, Cystat. Employees accounted for 472,254 of the total, while 52,913 were self-employed. The increase points to continued labor market growth across both wage employment and independent work.

Trade, Construction And Leisure Lead Employment Growth

Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, recorded some of the strongest employment gains, alongside construction and arts, entertainment and recreation.

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Those sectors are closely linked to domestic economic activity, with trade reflecting consumer demand and construction reflecting investment. Employment growth in leisure-related industries also points to continued activity in consumer-facing services.

Hours Worked Rise Faster Than Employment

Labor input increased faster than headcount. Cystat estimated that employees and other workers put in 246.57 million hours during the second quarter, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The increase suggests that businesses were not only employing more people but also recording higher total hours worked. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and arts, entertainment and recreation again recorded the strongest gains.

Labor Market Expansion Remains Broad-Based

The combination of higher employment and hours worked points to continued expansion in Cyprus’ labor market during the second quarter. The pace remains moderate, but gains across several major sectors indicate that labor demand continued to support economic activity.