Saint Lucia unemployment rate falls to 10.1% in Q2 2026

Saint Lucia's unemployment rate fell to 10.1% in the second quarter of 2026, according to data from the Central Statistical Office (CSO). This represents a significant decrease from the 12.1% recorded in the first quarter of the same year and a 3.3 percentage point drop from the 13.4% reported during the same period in 2025.

Total employment rose to 99,528 people, an increase of 691 compared to the previous quarter. Notable growth was seen in administrative and support services, which rose by 35.1%, and the construction sector, which grew by 14%. The accommodation and food services industry remains the largest employer, accounting for 16.4% of total employment, followed by wholesale and retail trade at 14.2%.

Youth unemployment also saw a marked decline, dropping to 15.5% from 18.5% in the previous quarter and 24.1% a year ago. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre attributed these trends to economic policies aimed at supporting local businesses, attracting foreign direct investment, and accelerating infrastructure development.