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Cyprus Unemployment: A Slight Rise in Monthly Rates While Yearly Figures Improve

The latest Eurostat report shed light on the unemployment trends in Cyprus, revealing a complex yet intriguing landscape. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in Cyprus edged up to 5.0% in January 2025 from 4.9% in the prior month but showed a promising decrease from 5.3% in January 2024.

While this monthly uptick might raise eyebrows, a broader perspective shows Cyprus outperforming the overall eurozone’s stability, where the unemployment rate held steady at 6.2%. The EU as a whole also reported unchanged figures from December at 5.8%. Nevertheless, when viewed annually, Cyprus manifests a noteworthy improvement, mirroring healthier trends across the region.

Zooming into numbers, approximately 26,000 people were unemployed in Cyprus in January 2025, a rise of about a thousand from December but a reduction of the same amount compared to the previous year. For the EU and eurozone, total unemployment decreased annually by 510,000 and 547,000 people, respectively.

This statistical narrative aligns with Cyprus’s vigorous economic activities, highlighting the island’s resilience in reducing unemployment amid changing monthly dynamics.

Ermes Transfers ERA Department Stores for Strategic Realignment

In a strategic move aimed at restructuring and shedding non-profitable divisions, Ermes Department Stores Plc has announced the transfer of its ERA department stores to Gencom Ltd for a nominal price of €1. While such a figure might raise eyebrows, it aligns with Ermes’ broader objectives of streamlining operations and managing financial sustainability, given the stores report a loss of €1.3 million for 2024.

The deal, pending approval from Cyprus’ Competition Protection Commission, requires Gencom to take on long-term lease contracts and approximately €4.5 million in pending orders for the Spring/Summer 2025 season.

Transferring staff and assets like fixtures and the UNIQUE customer loyalty program ensures a smooth transition. Ermes will maintain a supporting role until late 2025.

Expected to realize a €1 million accounting profit due to IFRS 16 compliance, the transaction should benefit the CTC Group and its shareholders without impacting essential managerial interests. With such strategic shifts, the economic landscape of Cyprus continues to evolve. For more insights on Cyprus’ dynamic markets, read our financial overview.

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