Saint Lucia unemployment falls to 10.1% in second quarter of 2026
Key Points(5)
- Saint Lucia’s unemployment rate fell to 10.1% in the second quarter of 2026, continuing a decline in joblessness as employment increased across several sectors, according to the latest Labour Force Survey.
- Data from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) show that the unemployment rate for April to June declined from 12.1% in the first quarter of the year and 13.4% during the corresponding period in 2025.
- The latest figure represents a 3.3 percentage-point decline in unemployment year over year.
- Total employment reached 99,528 people during the second quarter, an increase of 691 from the previous quarter and 1,677 compared with the same period last year.
- The employment rate rose to 89.9% of the labour force, up from 87.9% in the first quarter and 86.6% in the second quarter of 2025.
Saint Lucia’s unemployment rate fell to 10.1% in the second quarter of 2026, continuing a decline in joblessness as employment increased across several sectors, according to the latest Labour Force Survey.
Data from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) show that the unemployment rate for April to June declined from 12.1% in the first quarter of the year and 13.4% during the corresponding period in 2025.
The latest figure represents a 3.3 percentage-point decline in unemployment year over year.
Total employment reached 99,528 people during the second quarter, an increase of 691 from the previous quarter and 1,677 compared with the same period last year.
The employment rate rose to 89.9% of the labour force, up from 87.9% in the first quarter and 86.6% in the second quarter of 2025.
Youth unemployment also recorded a significant decline, falling to 15.5% from 18.5% in the previous quarter. A year earlier, the youth unemployment rate stood at 24.1%.
The CSO data show that employment in the construction sector increased by 14% during the quarter, while administrative and support services recorded a 35.1% increase.
Accommodation and food services remained Saint Lucia’s largest employing industry, accounting for 16.4% of total employment. Wholesale and retail trade accounted for 14.2%, while construction represented 9.4%.
The government welcomed the latest figures, describing them as an indication of continued economic strengthening and expanding employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration said its economic policies over the past five years have focused on supporting local businesses, attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening productive sectors and accelerating infrastructure development.
The government pointed to several major public and private sector projects as contributors to economic activity, including the Republic Bank Rodney Bay City Centre, Northern Divisional Police Headquarters, Cabot Resorts, A’ila Resorts, Talvern Housing Development, Halls of Justice and Global Ports Holding developments in Castries and Soufrière.
Other projects include Anchorage by the Sea, The View at the Morne, Anse Ferre, the Roseau Food Court and Souvenir Market, the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project, Caribbean Galaxy and the St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project.
Pierre said his administration would continue working with public and private sector partners to create jobs, strengthen businesses, develop the country’s workforce, attract investment and modernize infrastructure.
The government said its focus remains on ensuring economic growth translates into greater employment opportunities and improved livelihoods for Saint Lucians.
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