Réunion Island has 33,880 job openings in 2026 according to France Travail's latest Workforce Needs Survey. While the public sector and personal services dominate, construction and industry are leading with double-digit growth.
A persistently tight labour market
A survey conducted between October and December 2025 among 6,600 establishments (out of 26,700 registered) reveals a stable but significant recruitment volume. The public sector leads with 7,800 positions, followed by personal services (7,050 positions, +4%) and associations (6,300 positions, -7%). Retail and business services declined by 13% and 14% respectively compared to 2025, reflecting weaker household consumption.
Construction and industry bouncing back
Productive sectors are regaining momentum. Construction plans 3,100 hires, up 11%, driven by demand for bricklayers and electricians on FEDER-funded infrastructure projects. Food industry hiring is also up 9%, with 2,000 positions to fill. Agriculture remains stable at 850 openings, mainly tied to the sugarcane harvest season.
Most sought-after profiles
The most in-demand roles include maintenance workers, kitchen assistants, masons and electricians. Skills shortages are particularly acute in construction trades, where employers struggle to find locally trained candidates. France Travail Réunion is calling for "stronger vocational training pathways aligned with the needs of growing sectors."
Why this matters
With unemployment exceeding 19%, Réunion Island cannot afford to leave positions unfilled. These 33,880 opportunities represent a concrete lever for reducing joblessness — provided vocational training and guidance keep pace. Growth in construction and industry is an encouraging signal: these are precisely the sectors that generate local added value and form the backbone of a more resilient economy.