A study led by Universidad de Antioquia found discrepancies between DANE formality figures and UGPP records. The analysis revived debate on methodologies to measure employment in Colombia.
The report, titled '¿Tenemos más o menos formalidad laboral?', noted that social security affiliations reported by UGPP fell 1.35% through February 2026. In contrast, DANE indicated informality stood around 55% after exceeding 56.5%.
Researchers led by Edwin Torres Gómez pointed out that 2.6% economic growth in 2025 contrasts with unemployment dropping from 11.6% to 8%. Torres cited Okun's law to question data consistency.
DANE responded that differences stem from distinct methodologies, not inconsistencies. The agency explained it follows International Labour Organization guidelines and accounts for independent workers without commercial registration.
ANDI president Bruce Mac Master had noted in March that UGPP cotizantes in December 2025 totaled 13.35 million, versus 11.4 million reported by DANE. UGPP clarified its data are not directly equivalent to formality figures.
