Unemployment falls under PLP government

The Bahamas’ labour market continued to tighten in the second quarter of 2025, with unemployment falling to 9.3%, down from 10.8% in the first quarter, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released this week. The survey credits broad-based job growth across several key industries and rising labour force participation for the improved figures.

Officials said the findings signal continued economic momentum under the Davis administration.

“These results show that our policies to stimulate growth—particularly in construction, tourism, and community services—are having a real and measurable impact,” a government spokesperson said. “More Bahamians are finding work, and more are actively participating in the labour force.”

From April to June 2025, total employment rose to 218,620 persons, an increase of 3,895 over the previous quarter. The biggest gains were concentrated in three major occupational groups:

• Elementary Occupations: up 25%, with 6,980 persons employed

• Craft & Related Workers, Plant & Machine Operators & Assemblers: up 9.2% (3,240 more persons)

• Skilled Agriculture & Fishery Workers: up 7%

Industries showing the strongest growth included:

• Construction: up 17% (2,985 additional workers)

• Wholesale & Retail: up 7%

• Community, Social & Personal Services (including the Civil Service and Police Service): up 3% (2,690 additional workers)

• Hotels & Restaurants: up 3%

Nearly 62% of all employed persons worked in the private sector, while 20% were in the government or quasi-government sector.

The total labour force expanded marginally to 241,090, an increase of 440 persons or 0.19%. The Labour Force Participation Rate rose to 76.7%, a gain of 0.6 percentage points.

Men continued to participate at higher levels than women, at 80.7% and 72.4%, respectively.

Education levels remained mixed:

• 59% of the labour force had completed secondary school.

• 21% held a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• 27% reported having no formal qualifications.

The number of unemployed persons fell to 22,470, a decline of 3,455 from the previous quarter. Both men and women recorded significant improvements:

• Male unemployment fell from 12,630 to 10,690.

• Female unemployment dropped from 13,295 to 11,780.

Youth unemployment also inched down to 20.3%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points.

A government labour analyst described the decline as “one of the most encouraging signs in recent quarters,” adding:

“We’re not only seeing more people working, but fewer people giving up on the job search. That combination is essential for long-term economic stability.”