Spain jobs data exposes hidden work and unemployment

Spain’s August jobs data is bringing previously uncounted work and unemployment into view, according to trade union CCOO. Carlos Gutiérrez, the union’s head of studies and discourse, said on Wednesday that the regularisation of foreign nationals is uncovering people who had been outside the official figures. CCOO says that helps explain why Social Security membership fell less than in other Augusts while registered unemployment rose more sharply.

The figures also underline how heavily Spain’s labour market relies on seasonal activity, CCOO said. As much of the summer campaign ended in August, membership fell and registered unemployment increased — a pattern the union described as usual for the month.

CCOO says the wider picture remains positive: employment is still at historically high levels, is growing year on year and unemployment is far below where it stood a few years ago. But Gutiérrez warned that the economy remains too exposed to seasonal shifts.

He called for more stable, productive and better-paid jobs throughout the year, alongside a broader economic model. The union wants Spain to strengthen industry, high-value services, energy and digital-transition work, care and public services, while reducing the vulnerability of jobs to the changing seasons.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Social affairs · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com