Employment in Cyprus’s broad public sector grew by 2.1% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 77,314 people. According to data released Monday by the Statistical Service, this increase was primarily driven by a major restructuring in local government.
The Impact of Local Government Restructuring
The data reveals a massive 28.2% surge in employment within Local Authorities on an annual basis. This was directly counterbalanced by an 11.6% decline in employment at Publicly Owned Enterprises.
The Statistical Service attributes this significant shift to the establishment of the new District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs) in July 2024. These new bodies absorbed the staff and functions of the former Sewerage and Water Boards, which were previously categorized under Publicly Owned Enterprises. This administrative change is the main reason for the dramatic shift in employment numbers between the two sub-sectors.
Overall Employment Figures
Of the 77,314 people employed in the broad public sector, the vast majority (72,275) work within the General Government. This includes:
- 55,208 in Central Government
- 11,185 in Non-Profit Organisations
- 5,882 in the newly expanded Local Authorities
The remaining 5,039 people are employed in publicly owned companies. On a quarterly basis, total public sector employment saw a modest increase of 0.4% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Source: stockwatch.com.cy