Unemployment rate for October goes up slightly

Labor and Human Resources Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate went slightly up in October compared to the same period last year, according to the latest findings from the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH by its initials in Spanish) Worker Group Survey.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.7%, unchanged from September and slightly higher than the 5.4% recorded in October 2024.

DTRH Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova emphasized that the results confirm the consistency of positive indicators observed throughout the year.

“This report reaffirms the stability of Puerto Rico’s labor market and validates the reliability of the data we’ve seen over recent months,” Vélez Casanova said. “These figures are essential for supporting workers, driving economic activity, and promoting sustainable development on the island.”

The analysis also showed a modest uptick in the unadjusted labor force participation rate, which rose from 44.5% in September to 44.6% in October. However, this represents a slight decline compared to October 2024, when participation stood at 44.7%.

The number of unemployed people, seasonally adjusted, remained steady at 71,000, with no change from the previous month. The total labor force for October was estimated at 1,239,000, down by 1,000 from September but up by 8,000 compared to October 2024. Employment held at 1,169,000, unchanged month-over-month, but up by 4,000 year-over-year.

The DTRH also noted that the nonfarm payroll employment survey for October is still under review by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and will be released at a later date.