The number of people registered as unemployed at District Labour Offices stood at 8,366 on the last day of September 2026, according to data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, which reflects the underlying trend in unemployment, the number increased to 10,809 in September from 10,715 in August.
Unemployment up 9.7% year-on-year
Compared with September 2025, the number of registered unemployed people increased by 742, or 9.7%.
CYSTAT said the increase was mainly attributed to the sectors of Public Administration and Defence, Information and Communication, and Administrative and Support Service Activities.
Despite the annual increase, the actual number of registered unemployed fell sharply from 12,385 in August to 8,366 in September, reflecting the strong seasonal pattern in the data.
Public administration records highest figure
Public Administration and Defence recorded 1,050 registered unemployed people in September, compared with 866 a year earlier.
Wholesale and retail trade followed with 1,402, compared with 1,364 in September 2025, while Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities recorded 855, up from 780.
Information and Communication also recorded an increase, from 432 in September 2025 to 549 in September 2026.
Education recorded 491 registered unemployed people in September, compared with 422 a year earlier, while Accommodation and Food Service Activities stood at 815, up from 768.
Seasonally adjusted trend
The seasonally adjusted figure has risen steadily in recent months, from 10,095 in February to 10,809 in September.
Seasonal adjustment removes recurring seasonal fluctuations from a time series, making the underlying trend easier to identify. CYSTAT uses the TRAMO&SEATS method developed with Eurostat.
Registered unemployed figures refer to people aged 15 and over who are able and available for work, are actively seeking employment and have an active job-seeking application on the last day of the month.
Source: gov.cy
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