The Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development has noted recent media reporting on the Central Statistical Office’s (CSO) Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2026 and wishes to provide important context to ensure the data is interpreted accurately and responsibly.
Senator the Honourable Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, stressed that while official labour market statistics should always be reported, they must also be presented within the context of the internationally accepted methodology used to produce them. Minister Swaratsingh cautioned against viewing the report in isolation, noting that the data must be compared against the same period of the year prior, 1st quarter of 2025 with the 1st quarter of 2026, and not the 4th quarter of 2025 with the 1st quarter of 2026.
Minister Swaratsingh further noted that labour market statistics should also be interpreted within the context of historical seasonal patterns observed in Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. “Over the past decade, Labour Force Survey data have consistently shown that unemployment rates recorded in the fourth quarter are often lower than those observed in the first quarter of the following year. For example, between the 4th quarter 2023 and 1st quarter 2024, the number of persons with jobs decreased by 17,300, and between the 4th quarter 2024 and 1st quarter 2025, the number of persons with jobs decreased by 13,400. This reflects the temporary increase in employment opportunities typically associated with the Christmas season, particularly in the wholesale and retail trade, hospitality, transportation and related service sectors”.
He explained that many businesses recruit additional workers to meet increased consumer demand during the Christmas period. As these seasonal positions conclude early in the new year, labour market indicators often adjust accordingly in the first quarter. “For this reason, quarter-to-quarter comparisons should always be interpreted with due consideration of seasonal employment patterns, longer-term trends and the full range of labour market indicators. Looking at a single statistic in isolation does not provide an accurate assessment of the overall state of the labour market”.
Minister Swaratsingh also highlighted that the Labour Force survey, also points to several encouraging developments within the labour market when comparing the 1st quarter of 2025 with the 1st quarter of 2026.
The Labour Force Survey shows that:
- The national labour force expanded by approximately 8,200 persons, reflecting increased participation as more people entered or re-entered the job market.
- Total employment increased by approximately 5,100 persons, rising from 558,900 to 564,000.
- Employment grew in key sectors including Wholesale and Retail Trade, Financing, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Services, and Community, Social and Personal Services.
- Employment also increased among Professionals, Managers, and Technicians and Associate Professionals, indicating continued demand for skilled workers.
- Growth was recorded among non-government employees and own-account workers (self-employed), highlighting continued activity within the private sector and entrepreneurial economy.
The Honorable Minister noted that, “An expanding labour force is often a sign of economic confidence, as more people actively seek employment opportunities. When labour force participation increases, it is possible for both employment and unemployment to rise simultaneously. This is why labour market indicators must always be interpreted collectively and within their proper statistical context”.
Minister Swaratsingh reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to preserving the professional independence and credibility of the Central Statistical Office. The Minister added that the Government will continue to monitor labour market developments closely and utilise high-quality official statistics to inform policies that promote sustainable economic growth, increased employment opportunities, workforce development and national prosperity.