KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s labour force saw growth in July 2025, with more people employed and the unemployment rate falling compared with the same period last year, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) reported on Tuesday.

The July 2025 Labour Force Survey found that 32,100 more individuals were employed compared to July 2024.

The largest employment gains were seen in the managers occupational group and in the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles industry.

The total employed labour force reached 1,441,100, with youth employment rising by 7.2 per cent or 12,200 persons. The number of underemployed persons — those working part-time but seeking additional hours — declined by 5,400 to 25,400.

The survey highlighted an increase in labour force participation to 1,490,300 people, up by 28,700 from a year earlier. Male participation accounted for two-thirds of the increase. The overall labour force participation rate was 69.1 per cent, with males participating at a rate of 75.0 per cent and females at 63.4 per cent.

Unemployment declined by 3,400 persons, dropping the rate from 3.6 per cent in July 2024 to 3.3 per cent in July 2025. This improvement was largely driven by decreases among males and the prime working age group (25-54 years), though female unemployment rose slightly. The male unemployment rate fell to 2.4 per cent from 3.2 per cent, while the female rate increased to 4.4 per cent from 4.0 per cent.

Fewer persons were outside the labour force in July 2025 — 665,500 compared to 694,200 a year earlier — with the decline mainly among males. The number of youth and prime working-age individuals not in the labour force also decreased.

Statin said these results reflect continued positive trends in the Jamaican labour market, supporting economic stability and inclusive growth.