Jamaica’s Unemployment Rate Hits 3.3% as Labor Force Expands in July 2025

Jamaica’s labor market strengthened further in July 2025, with unemployment falling to a near-record low of 3.3 percent and employment rising by 32,100 year-over-year, according to the latest Labor Force Survey released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

The total number of employed individuals reached 1,441,100, driven by notable gains in managerial roles and the wholesale and retail trade sector – including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair. Youth employment surged by 7.2 percent (12,200 additional workers), while underemployment – defined as part-time workers seeking more hours – declined by 5,400 to 25,400.

Labor force participation also climbed, reaching 1,490,300 in July 2025, up 28,700 from the same month in 2024. Men accounted for roughly two-thirds of this growth, with overall participation rates at 69.1 percent (75.0 percent for men and 63.4 percent for women).

Unemployment fell by 3,400 persons compared to July 2024, when the rate stood at 3.6 percent. The decline was most pronounced among men, whose unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent from 3.2 percent. However, female unemployment ticked up slightly to 4.4 percent from 4.0 percent.

Meanwhile, the number of people outside the labor force declined to 665,500 – down from 694,200 a year earlier – reflecting increased engagement among both youth and prime working-age adults (25–54 years), particularly males.

STATIN described the data as evidence of sustained momentum in Jamaica’s labor market, underscoring broader economic resilience and progress toward inclusive growth.