The number of employees across Cyprus’s broader public sector reached 77,034 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to new figures released by the Statistical Service.

This growth—equivalent to 1,311 additional jobs—was largely fueled by a major restructuring of local governance. Specifically, employment in Local Authorities rose by 25% (1,117 people), following the creation of the new Provincial Self-Governance Organizations (EOA) on July 1, 2024. These entities absorbed the responsibilities of the former Water Boards and Sewerage Councils, triggering a notable shift in workforce allocation.

Employment in the General Government, which includes central government, nonprofit institutions, and local authorities, totaled 72,072 individuals. Of these, 55,243 worked in the central government, 11,248 in nonprofit bodies, and 5,581 in local administrations. Meanwhile, 4,962 people were employed in government-controlled companies and enterprises—a segment that saw a 14.4% year-on-year decrease (down 832 employees), also tied to the transfer of functions to the newly formed EOAs.

Compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024), overall employment in the broader public sector edged up by 0.3%, or 197 individuals. The central government added 260 workers (a 0.4% quarterly rise), while employment in local authorities fell by 59 workers (-1.0%). Job numbers in state-controlled enterprises remained stable.