Colombia’s labor market showed a sharp deterioration at the start of the year, as the national unemployment rate rose to 10.9% in January 2026, up from 8.0% recorded in December 2025. The latest figures, updated on 27 February 2026, indicate a significant month‑to‑month increase in joblessness.
The jump from December’s 8.0% to January’s 10.9% suggests a notable weakening in employment conditions over a single month. While seasonal factors can often influence labor data at the turn of the year, the scale of the increase points to growing pressure on Colombia’s job market at the beginning of 2026.
Investors and policymakers are likely to watch upcoming releases closely to determine whether January’s data represents the start of a more persistent upward trend in unemployment or a short‑term spike in labor market volatility.
