By Zoila Palma: Preliminary results from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) latest Labour Force Survey indicate that the national unemployment rate fell to 1.9 percent in April 2026, down from 2.1 percent in April 2025. The decline in unemployment was largely driven by a reduction in labour force participation, particularly among working-age women.
The total labour force stood at 170,056 persons in April 2026, representing a decrease of 13,313 compared to the same period in 2025. Employment also declined by 12,611 persons, bringing total employment to 166,894, while the number of unemployed persons fell by 702 to 3,162.
Despite the lower unemployment rate, the data shows a notable drop in labour force participation. The participation rate fell by 5.5 percentage points to 53.6 percent, down from 59.1 percent in April 2025.
Males continued to make up nearly three-fifths of the labour force, highlighting persistent gender imbalances in workforce participation.
Significant disparities were also recorded between men and women.
Only 39.8 percent of working-age females were active in the labour force, compared to 68.3 percent of males.
The Statistical Institute noted that domestic responsibilities and family care remain the most commonly cited reasons for women being outside the workforce.
Youth participation (ages 14 to 24) stood at 37.4 percent in April 2026, with young males significantly more active in the labour market than young females—47.5 percent compared to 27.1 percent.
Among adults aged 25 and older, participation rates also showed a wide gap, with 74.7 percent of males engaged in the labour force compared to 43.3 percent of females.
Labour force participation was further influenced by education levels.
Individuals with tertiary education recorded the highest participation rate at 68.2 percent, while those with only primary education had a significantly lower rate of 45.7 percent.
The post SIB: Unemployment falls to 1.9% as men continue to dominate Labour Force in April 2026 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Preliminary results from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) latest Labour Force Survey indicate that the national unemployment rate fell to 1.9 percent in April 2026, down from 2.1 percent in April 2025. The decline in unemployment was largely driven by a reduction in labour force participation, particularly among working-age women. The
The post SIB: Unemployment falls to 1.9% as men continue to dominate Labour Force in April 2026 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
