Employment in the broader public sector in Cyprus increased by 1,476 individuals, a rise of 2 per cent, in the fourth quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023.

According to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), the total number of employees reached 76,837 during this period.

Cystat reported that employment in central government rose by 1,208 individuals (1.9 per cent) to 66,231, while local authorities saw a significant increase of 1,111 employees (24.5 per cent).

In contrast, government-controlled companies and enterprises experienced a decline of 843 employees (-14.5 per cent).

Within the general government sector, employment reached 71,871 individuals, while government-controlled companies and enterprises employed 4,966 people.

The general government sector, which consists of the government, non-profit organisations, and local authorities, recorded employment levels of 55,125, 11,106, and 5,640 individuals, respectively.

The rise in local authority employment and the corresponding decline in government-controlled companies and enterprises were attributed to the establishment of provincial self-governing organisations (EOA) on 1 July 2024.

Under the new framework, water supply and sewage board activities were transferred to the jurisdiction of these organisations, the statistical service stated.

Compared to the third quarter of 2024, employment in the broader public sector increased by 3,700 individuals (5.1 per cent).

Employment in central government rose by 3,566 individuals (5.7 per cent), while local authorities recorded an increase of 152 individuals (2.8 per cent).

Employment in government-controlled companies and enterprises remained largely unchanged from the previous quarter.

The increase in central government employment was primarily due to a rise in fixed-term employees within the education service, the statistical service concluded.