Spain Sets New Employment Record as Jobless Rate Falls Below 10%
Poinews.com – Spain sets new employment record with remarkable momentum in the second quarter of 2026. According to official figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the nation’s labor market has achieved an extraordinary milestone. The latest Labour Force Survey (EPA) shows that 22,779,000 people are now working, representing a substantial gain of 486,000 positions between April and June. This achievement places Spain at the forefront of European economic recovery.
Unemployment Hits Multi-Year Low
The employment surge has been accompanied by a significant decline in joblessness. The number of unemployed citizens dropped by 213,300 during the same period, bringing the national unemployment rate to 9.87%. This marks the first time since 2008 that Spain’s jobless rate has dipped below the 10% mark, signaling a major turning point for the economy.
“This is a historic moment for Spanish workers and businesses alike,” noted economic analysts following the data release. “The combination of rising employment and falling unemployment demonstrates the resilience of our labor market.”
The improvement coincides with the summer season, traditionally a period of heightened hiring activity. The service sector has been particularly strong, benefiting from increased tourism and consumer spending. Meanwhile, the active population has grown to exceed 25.2 million people, reflecting both more workers finding jobs and greater participation from those previously outside the labor force.
Sector and Regional Breakdown
Service industries led the charge in job creation, with tourism-related businesses contributing significantly to the growth. Construction and manufacturing also added positions, though at a more modest pace. Agriculture stood out as the only sector to experience employment losses during this quarter.
Regional performance varied across the country. The Balearic Islands, Murcia, and Catalonia emerged as the top performers in terms of job creation rates. These areas have benefited from their strong service economies and favorable business environments.
Quality of Employment Improves
Beyond the quantity of jobs created, the EPA data reveals improvements in employment quality. Recent growth has been driven primarily by permanent and salaried positions rather than temporary arrangements. Approximately 75% of the workforce now holds permanent contracts, while temporary positions continue to decline, particularly in the private sector.
Full-time roles have once again accounted for the largest portion of new positions. This trend has persisted across multiple consecutive quarters, suggesting that the recovery is becoming more sustainable. Government officials remain optimistic about reaching their goal of employing 23 million people, a target they believe is achievable if current momentum continues.
Looking ahead, economists expect the positive trajectory to extend into the third quarter. The combination of seasonal factors, strong service sector performance, and improving contract stability positions Spain favorably for continued growth in the months ahead.
