A Positive Quarter Despite Declining Sectors
Reunion Island recorded a 0.3% year-on-year increase in its salaried workforce, confirming the relative strength of the island’s labor market. In the third quarter of 2025, 198,744 jobs were recorded, representing an increase of 255 jobs compared to the previous quarter.
This is a notable performance, especially at a time when employment is declining nationally. This growth is primarily driven by business services, trade, and industry. Business services continue to create jobs, with a 0.8% increase this quarter. Consulting, security, and administrative support activities generated more than 200 jobs, for a total payroll exceeding €200 million. Trade (+0.4%) and industry (+0.8%) also contributed to this growth, thanks in particular to the agri-food sector and the manufacturing of industrial products.
The eastern part of the island saw the strongest growth, with 405 additional jobs (+2.3%). Conversely, the north and west experienced slight declines, losing approximately 100 and nearly 200 positions respectively. Not all sectors followed this trend. Construction (-1%) and temporary work (-1.2%) continued to decrease, while non-market services (-0.3%) were affected by reductions in education and social services. Agriculture, already in decline, lost another 80 jobs (-2.1%).
Regarding compensation, the average salary per employee reached €2,467 per month, up 0.7% over the quarter. This increase was faster than in mainland France, although the level remains below the national average (€3,054).
For businesses, the rate of unpaid invoices for companies with ten or more employees improved, falling to 3.08%. Conversely, the number of insolvency proceedings is rising again, with 238 judicial liquidations recorded (+23% over three months, +13% over one year), a sign of the persistent fragility of some businesses. Between job creation and economic vulnerabilities, Réunion Island is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Driven by the service sector and a growing wage bill (+0.5%), the island is managing to maintain a stable labor market despite a still uncertain environment.
