Labour force, employment and unemployment based on the results of the Continuous Multi Purpose Household Survey – Year 2018

he labour force for 2018 was estimated at 583,800 (352,800 males and 231,000 females), employment at 543,700 (336,100 males and 207,600 females) and unemployment at 40,100 (16,700 males and 23,400 females).

From 2017 to 2018, labour force decreased by 3,100 as a result of a decline in both in employment (-1,400) and in unemployment (-1,700).

In 2018, men comprised 60% of the workforce. Tertiary sector (covering trade, accommodation & food service activities, transportation & storage and all the other service industries) was the main source of jobs for Mauritians.

The unemployment rate worked out to 6.9% (4.7% for male and 10.1% for female). It decreased from 7.1% in 2017. Unemployed women outnumbered unemployed men though they were generally more qualified.

Young (aged 16 to 24 years) unemployed in 2018 numbered 19,700 of whom 9,400 men and 10,300 women. Youth unemployment rate stood at 25.1% (21.7% for male and 29.3% for female).