January typically marks a slow period for employment in Spain, and January 2025 has proven to be no exception. This year began with the worst employment figures since 2020, with the country losing 242,148 jobs in the first month.
Unemployment rose by 38,725 people, although the number of employed individuals contributing to social security remains above 21 million. Over the course of 2024, Spain added 491,053 jobs.
Unemployment trends
Despite the rise in registered unemployment in January, the total number of unemployed remains below 2.6 million—the lowest figure for a January in 17 years, according to data from the Spanish Ministry of Labour. The number of self-employed individuals decreased by 17,815 compared to December.
Sector-specific variations
Job losses were most significant in the services sector, with 44,595 more unemployed (+2.4%), and in agriculture, which saw 1,099 additional unemployed (+1.3%). Conversely, unemployment decreased in construction by 4,527 (-2.3%) and in industry by 241 (-0.1%). The number of unemployed also dropped among those previously without employment (-2,201 or -0.9%).
Social security contributions
Since January 2024, 491,053 new contributors have joined the Social Security system, marking a 2.4% increase. January ended with more than 21 million registered workers, the highest figure recorded for this month. Over the last four years, nearly 2.3 million new members have joined the system.
Seasonal adjustments
Post-Christmas, it is common to see increased unemployment in seasonal sectors such as trade and hospitality. Adjusted for seasonality, Spain saw employment growth of 35,000 jobs, and registered unemployment decreased by 33,055 people.
Gender disparities
Unemployment rose among both men and women in January. However, job losses were more pronounced among women, with 31,869 more unemployed (+2.08%), compared to 6,856 more unemployed men (+0.7%). Despite this, women represent 47.3% of total employment, the highest level recorded for January. The month ended with 1,563,431 unemployed women—the lowest January figure in 17 years—and 1,036,012 unemployed men.
Youth unemployment at historic low for January
Unemployment among those under 25 rose by 1.4% in January, adding 2,563 unemployed individuals compared to December. Among those over 25, unemployment increased by 36,162. However, January concluded with 188,364 unemployed young people, the lowest recorded number for this month.
Increase in permanent contracts
The Ministry of Labour reported a 33% increase in permanent contracts since the implementation of labour reforms. “The labour market has undergone significant changes, with more employment opportunities and nearly 3.7 million more workers on permanent contracts,” the ministry stated. The decline in temporary contracts has been particularly notable among young workers, decreasing from 53% to 21% over the past three years. Currently, there are approximately 14.7 million employees with permanent contracts, with over 9.7 million working full-time.
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