More Women Enter Workforce, Unemployment Rate Unchanged

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Bahamas labour market remained steady at the end of 2025, with more people finding jobs and more women entering the workforce.

Those statistics were revealed in the latest Labour Force Survey released by the Bahamas National Statistical Institute, showing the national unemployment rate remained virtually unchanged between the third and fourth quarters of the year, while employment continued to grow.

According to a report, the unemployment rate stood at 8.8 percent in the third quarter and 8.7 percent in the fourth quarter.

Despite little change in the unemployment rate, the economy added 3,450 jobs over the three-month period, bringing total employment to just over 226,000 people.

The labour force also expanded by more than 3,300 people, with women accounting for more than 70 percent of that increase. Adults between the ages of 25 and 54 made up the largest share of employment growth, while youth employment also saw a notable increase, rising by more than 20 percent.

The report also found fewer discouraged workers, particularly those who have stopped looking for work because they believe no jobs are available, suggesting growing confidence in the job market.

Looking at industries, community, social and personal services recorded the largest employment gains, followed by financing, insurance, real estate and other business services.

By occupation, the biggest increases were among craft and related trades workers, as well as plant and machine operators and assemblers. Meanwhile, youth unemployment remained unchanged at 18.2 percent.

The full third and fourth quarter 2025 Labour Force Survey is available on the Institute’s website.