Jamaica’s Labour Market Shows Relatively Stable Unemployment Levels in July 2026

• Data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) shows the unemployment rate remained relatively unchanged at 3.4% in July 2026, compared with 3.3% in July 2025 and down from the 3.7% recorded in April 2026. However, this came amid declines in both employment and labour force participation.
• Jamaica’s labour force declined by 21,800 to 1,468,500 persons, with the labour force participation rate falling to 68.1% from 69.1% a year earlier and 68.4% in April. The decline was driven by reductions in both the male and female labour forces, with more persons moving outside the labour force.
• This was accompanied by a decline in employment, which fell by 1.5% to 1,419,200 persons. Male employment declined by 8,600 (-1.1%) to 767,000, while female employment fell by 13,300 (-2.0%) to 652,200. Youth employment recorded a sharper 6.4% decline, highlighting continued weakness among younger workers.
• Consequently, the number of persons outside the labour force increased by 3.3% to 687,300, largely reflecting an additional 14,800 youth exiting the labour force. The increase was recorded among both males and females.
• Additionally, the July 2026 survey showed a shift toward informal employment. Formal employment declined by 3.7% to 621,800 persons, while informal employment increased by 0.3% to 797,400. As a result, the informal employment rate rose to 56.2% from 55.2% in July 2025.
• Jamaica’s labour market results continue to reflect lingering weakness following Hurricane Melissa, although the relatively stable unemployment rate masks declines in employment and labour force participation. The latest results suggest that while fewer people are unemployed, a larger number have exited the labour force, particularly among youth, indicating that labour market recovery remains uneven.

(Sources: STATIN & NCBCM Research)