Mexico Reports Job Losses in May
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reported the loss of 29,922 formal jobs in May 2026 in its monthly report released June 8. The figure represents a 0.1% decline from April and marks the second-largest drop for any May since the pandemic.
The job losses were concentrated in permanent positions. The IMSS counted 32,471 permanent jobs lost while 2,549 temporary positions were created. By month's end, the total roster of workers registered with IMSS stood at 22.7 million formal jobs, the highest figure ever recorded for any May in the agency's historical data.
Year-to-Date Performance Remains Positive
Despite May's setback, formal employment gains remain solid for the year so far. The January-May 2026 period shows:
- 201,605 new formal jobs created, including digital platform positions
- 86.8% of active jobs are permanent positions
- Year-to-date growth below the pace recorded in the same period of 2025
- Manufacturing sector bearing the brunt of workforce adjustments
World Cup Effect Not Yet Visible
Alberto Alesi, regional director of ManpowerGroup, told Bloomberg Línea that the World Cup 2026 job creation effect "has not materialized significantly" as of May's reporting date. The firm expects the tournament's tourism season could drive hiring in hospitality and services during the second half of the year.
The next IMSS monthly report, covering June 2026 data, will be released in the first week of July. That report should capture the direct employment impact of World Cup season on formal job creation across Mexican host cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
**How many formal jobs did Mexico lose in May 2026?**
The IMSS reported a loss of 29,922 formal jobs in May 2026, announced June 8. This represents a 0.1% monthly decline and was the second-largest drop for any May since the pandemic, according to Bloomberg Línea.
**How many formal jobs were created from January to May 2026?**
Between January and May 2026, the IMSS counted 201,605 new formal jobs, including digital platform positions. Total registered workers closed May at 22.7 million, an all-time record for any May in the institute's historical records.
**What does ManpowerGroup say about the World Cup 2026 impact on Mexican employment?**
Alberto Alesi, regional director of ManpowerGroup, told Bloomberg Línea that the World Cup 2026 effect on formal job creation "has not materialized significantly" in IMSS data through May. The firm expects this boost to appear in the second half of the year.
**Sources:**
- Bloomberg Línea