Key facts
- Spain's registered unemployment fell to 2,291,982 in June, the lowest since January 2008.
- Social Security membership reached an all-time high of 22.47 million contributors.
- The services sector accounted for the largest drop in unemployment, influenced by the tourism season.
- Youth unemployment hit its lowest historical figure.
- Female unemployment decreased to below 1.4 million, a level not seen since August 2008.
Spain's registered unemployment fell to 2,291,982 in June, marking the lowest figure since January 2008. This represents a decrease of 28,739 from May, continuing a multi-month downward trend. The services sector was the primary driver of this decline, with 28,498 fewer unemployed individuals, largely attributed to the start of the tourist season. Industry, construction, and agriculture also saw reductions in joblessness. However, the number of people with no prior employment history increased by 4,298, indicating challenges for those seeking their first job or re-entering the labor market. Youth unemployment reached its lowest historical level, with 5,155 fewer young people unemployed compared to May. Female unemployment also dropped below 1.4 million for the first time since August 2008, with 1.39 million women out of work compared to 903,673 men. Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz linked some of the improvement to the regularization of workers' status. Social Security registrations hit a record high of 22.47 million contributors on average in June, with wholesale and retail trade, hospitality, and administrative services leading monthly growth. Over the past year, health and social services, and construction have added the most members. The number of self-employed workers also continued to rise, reaching 3.47 million. Foreign worker affiliation increased significantly, now accounting for over 15% of all contributors. Social Security Minister Elma Saiz noted that Spain created 54.5% of all jobs in the European Union during this period.