The latest Labour Force Survey from the Central Statistical Office shows unemployment declined from 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 to 10.1 per cent during April to June.
One year earlier, unemployment stood at 13.4 per cent. That represents a 3.3 percentage-point improvement year-on-year. The number of employed Saint Lucians has also increased.
Total employment reached 99,528 people during the second quarter 691 more than during the previous quarter and 1,677 more than during the corresponding period of 2025.
Some of the strongest progress has occurred among young people. Youth unemployment declined to 15.5 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent during the first quarter and 24.1 per cent one year earlier. The figures mean youth unemployment has fallen by 8.6 percentage points in twelve months.
Construction was among the sectors contributing to employment growth, recording a 14 per cent increase during the quarter. Administrative and support services employment increased by 35.1 per cent. Accommodation and food services remained Saint Lucia's largest employing industry, accounting for 16.4 per cent of employment. Wholesale and retail accounted for 14.2 per cent, followed by construction at 9.4 per cent.
Government has linked the improving labour market to expanding public and private investment, infrastructure development and policies intended to support business activity.
Major developments currently underway span construction, tourism, housing, justice, roads and commercial investment.
The latest numbers are particularly significant because employment growth is occurring while Government has placed increasing emphasis on creating opportunities for young Saint Lucians through education, skills training, the Youth Economy and investment in productive sectors.
The next economic test will be whether the improvement can be sustained and translated into higher household incomes and better-quality employment.
But the latest CSO figures establish a clear trend: more Saint Lucians are working, and unemployment among young people has fallen substantially over the past year.
The CSO figures cited by Government confirm 10.1% unemployment, 99,528 employed persons, and youth unemployment of 15.5%.