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Cyprus Labor Market Strengthens in Q1 2025: Lower Unemployment and Robust Employment Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 29, 2025

Overview of Q1 2025 Trends

In the first quarter of 2025, Cyprus witnessed a favorable labor market shift as reported by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat). The unemployment rate declined to 5.0%, with 26,161 individuals recorded as unemployed, compared to 29,102 in the same quarter last year. This positive movement is indicative of a broader economic adjustment in the region.

Labor Force Expansion and Demographic Insights

The total labor force increased to 519,433—a representation of 64.4% of the national population. Male participation reached 275,358 (69.8%), while female participation stood at 244,075 (59.3%). This marks an uptick from the 505,963 observed in Q1 2024, signaling an expanding pool of active job seekers contributing to the economy.

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Employment Metrics and Sector Distribution

Employment figures also improved, with the number of employed persons rising to 493,272, corresponding to an employment rate of 61.2%. For the working-age group (20–64 years), the employment rate ascended to 80.0% from 78.5% in the previous year. Men maintained a stronger presence in the workforce at 85.5%, compared to 74.6% for women.

Sectoral analysis reveals that the services sector remains the dominant employer, engaging 81.1% of the workforce, while industry and agriculture accounted for 16.8% and 2.1% respectively. Full-time positions continued to dominate employment, representing 91.2% of the total, with part-time roles comprising the remaining 8.8%.

Insights on Employment Structure

An in-depth look at the employment structure shows that 90.3% of employed persons are employees, with 87.1% holding permanent positions. The share of self-employed individuals slightly declined to 9.7% from 10.4% the previous year, reflecting subtle shifts in workforce dynamics.

Youth and Later Career Perspectives

For young individuals aged 15–24, the unemployment rate fell sharply to 11.2% from 16.0% in Q1 2024. Meanwhile, those between 25–64 enjoyed a reduction in unemployment to 4.7%. Workers aged 55–64 maintained a stable employment rate around 70%, although gender disparities persisted, with men faring better than women.

Unemployment Duration and Future Outlook

Analysis by duration of unemployment reveals that a majority (61.3%) of job seekers have been unemployed for less than six months. In contrast, 23.5% are classified as long-term unemployed, suggesting areas where targeted policy interventions could further enhance labor market efficiencies.

Overall, the Q1 2025 figures highlight a resilient and gradually improving Cypriot labor market. As employment and participation rates continue to grow, policymakers and business leaders might view these trends as a positive signal of economic stabilization and potential for future expansion.

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Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

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So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.