Government employment in Cyprus up 3,2% in 2024 eleven months

Government employment in Cyprus reached a total of 55,243 in November 2024, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus. The January–November 2024 average employment stood at 54,229, reflecting a 3.2% increase (1,698 additional employees), compared to the same period in 2023.

The increase is primarily attributed to reforms in the Educational Service, notably the abolition of the "purchase of services" regime in supporting programs under the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth, which began in the 2023-2024 school year. This shift resulted in a higher number of casual staff being employed directly by the government.

In the Civil Service, permanent employees formed the majority (51.5%), with 12,020 out of 23,329 total employees. The rest were 4,190 with indefinite contracts, 1,288 with definite contracts, and 5,831 hourly-paid workers.

The Educational Service had 18,106 employees, with permanent staff making up 68.8% (12,460), followed by 4,545 on definite contracts, 963 on indefinite contracts, and 138 hourly-paid workers.

Security Forces comprised 13,808 employees. Permanent staff accounted for 60.2% (8,315), while the rest included 4,454 with indefinite contracts, 292 with definite contracts, and 747 hourly-paid workers.