The NOVA Recruitment Insights & Salary Guide 2026 revealed a rise in temporary roles, which tend to favour Caymanian candidates.
According to the report, which is based on a survey of Nova candidates and clients plus analysis of Nova job placements and Cayman Compass classified adverts, 2025 saw the highest level of white-collar temporary job positions available in Cayman since 2018. What’s more, the rise in temp positions came as permanent roles declined for the second consecutive year.
While some may interpret rising temp roles and falling permanent positions as a negative for the Islands, Nova’s report said it could be positive for Caymanians. “Because it is rarely possible to obtain a work permit or amend permanent residency status quickly enough to fill urgent or short-term assignments, the demand is for Caymanian candidates,” noted the report.
“Caymanian temps are uniquely positioned to benefit from these opportunities, as employers are eager to hire candidates who can start immediately without permit delays,” said the report.
Again, some readers may worry this causes Caymanians to be restricted to less valuable temp roles, but the report authors have a different perspective. “Many locals may not realize that temporary roles offer a rewarding and potentially lucrative pathway – these positions are often overlooked in the job search, but they provide valuable experience, rapid access to new networks, and can lead to long-term careers.”
According to survey data, 19% of employers said they “usually intend” for temporary roles to become permanent, with a further 42% stating “this is often the case”. Internal data from Nova, which is part of CML Group, shows that 57% of its temporary employees in 2025 were offered permanent roles.
Young Caymanians still struggle
While temp roles are looking up, other parts of Cayman’s employment market look less positive. Quoting figures from the Economics and Statistics Office, the report noted that while overall unemployment in 2024 was just 2.5% – “indicating a strong, resilient labor market” – the unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 is 13.5%.
“This contrast highlights the core dilemma; while jobs exist, they are not always immediately accessible to graduates,” said the report. “Common friction points include limited entry level roles, insufficient work experience, skills mismatches, and employer preference for candidates with proven, role specific experience.”
The report recommends “internships, graduate programmes and structured training pathways” to ready young Caymanians for employment.
It’s an issue that’s been repeatedly highlighted by Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Michael Myles. Speaking at the ‘Work Reimagined’ conference held on 29 May by the Cayman Islands Society for HR Professionals, Myles warned that he would take a hard stance against companies that don’t hire Caymanian interns.
However, youth unemployment is a global issue, with the World Bank estimating global youth unemployment at 13.4%.
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