Cyprus public sector workforce rises to over 78,000 people

Total employment in Cyprus’ broad public sector reached 78,124 persons in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase, according to the state statistical service (Cystat).

According to the statistical service, employment in general government during the same quarter stood at 73,006 persons, while publicly owned enterprises and companies accounted for 5,118 persons.

Within general government, which includes the government, non-profit organisations and local authorities, total employment reached 55,215 persons in the government, 11,566 persons in non-profit organisations, and 6,225 persons in local authorities.

Cystat also reported that for the entire year of 2025, employment in the broad public sector reached 76,726 persons, as illustrated in its published data.

During the same period, employment in general government stood at 71,675 persons, while publicly owned enterprises and companies employed 5,051 persons.

Compared with 2024, employment in the broad public sector increased by 1,373 persons, representing a 1.8 per cent rise.

More specifically, employment in general government increased by 1,684 persons, corresponding to a 2.4 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

By contrast, employment in government-controlled companies and enterprises decreased by 311 persons, representing a 5.8 per cent decline compared with 2024.

The statistical service also indicated that employment in the broad public sector increased by 1,287 persons in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 1.7 per cent rise compared with the same quarter of 2024.

During that period, employment in central government increased by 550 persons, corresponding to a 0.8 per cent increase year-on-year.

Employment in local authorities recorded a rise of 585 persons, representing a 10.4 per cent increase compared with the same quarter of the previous year.

Meanwhile, publicly owned enterprises and companies registered an increase of 152 persons, corresponding to a 3.1 per cent rise compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.

According to Cystat, the increase in employment in local authorities was mainly attributed to higher staffing levels in district local government organisations, where employment rose by 427 persons, representing a 48.4 per cent increase.