DANE reported a 10.9% unemployment rate for January 2026, the lowest in recent history for a first month of the year, despite a 23% minimum wage increase. Informality dropped to 55%, and the employed population grew by 324,000 people. Yet, these official figures are sparking political polarization.
The National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) released data showing a 10.9% unemployment rate in January 2026, a historically low level for that period, following a 23% minimum wage adjustment that sparked debates on potential layoffs. Labor informality fell to 55%, one point lower than in January 2025, excluding the rural sector, while self-employed workers have risen, boosting employment.
In the labor market, notable increases occurred among public employees, teachers, and armed forces members. Positions also grew in professions such as caregivers, nurses, doctors, and administrative services. However, the overall labor participation rate dropped by half a percentage point, with 410,000 additional people classified as economically inactive.
Job losses were recorded in sectors like commerce (149,000), accommodation and food services (109,000), and public services (69,000), attributed to post-December holiday adjustments. Conversely, the employed population rose by 324,000, mainly in public administration, education, and health (172,000), professional activities (155,000), and manufacturing (134,000). Compared to January 2025, the employed population increased from 22.9 million to 23.2 million, a 1.5% annual growth.
La República's editorial warns that distrusting DANE's figures could lead to informational chaos, particularly ahead of presidential elections. It emphasizes the need to examine independent workers' compliance with parafiscal contributions and social security, and notes that DANE, despite its flaws, remains the reliable source for the OECD and researchers.
