Employment in the public sector in Cyprus saw a 3.3 per cent increase in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

According to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), the total number of employees in government employment reached 75,714 during the second quarter of the year.

Of these, 70,011 were employed in the general government, while 5,703 worked in companies and businesses controlled by the government. 

Within the general government, which is comprised of the government itself, non-profit organisations, and local authorities, employment figures stood at 54,744, 10,680, and 4,587 persons, respectively. 

Compared to the second quarter of 2023, employment in the general government increased by 2,388 individuals, reflecting a 3.3 per cent rise.  

The central government workforce grew by 2,426 people, marking a 3.9 per cent increase, while local government employment saw an increase of 70 people, 1.5 per cent.  

In contrast, according to the report, companies and businesses controlled by the government experienced a slight decline, with employment dropping by 108 persons, 1.9 per cent. 

The increase in central government employment is largely attributed to the expansion of the education service, following the abolition of the purchase of services scheme in the supporting programmes of the education ministry for the 2023-2024 school year. 

On a quarterly basis, the government employment sector remained stable compared to the first quarter of 2024.  

However, government employment saw an increase of 123 individuals, a rise of 2.8 per cent.

In contrast, companies and businesses under government control experienced slight declines, with a decrease of 41 individuals, or 0.1 per cent, and 91 individuals, or 1.6 per cent, respectively.