Spain Jobless Rises More Than Expected

The number of people registering as jobless in Spain rose by 30.392 thousand from the previous month to 2.439 million in January 2026, beating market expectations of a 10.5 thousand increase. Unemployment increased across services (+35,073) and agriculture (+881). On the other hand, unemployment fell in construction (-3,793) and industry (-14). Youth unemployment rose by 4,040 to 180,892, the lowest figure ever recorded in January. The largest increases in unemployment were registered in Andalusia (+8,046), Madrid (+3,659) and Galicia (+3,113).

The number of people registering as jobless in Spain fell by 16.291 thousand from the previous month to 2.409 million in December 2025, missing market expectations of a 5.7 thousand increase. Unemployment decreased across services (-14,287) and agriculture (-1,531). On the other hand, unemployment rose in industry (1,684), and construction (5,568). Youth unemployment also fell by 11,470, bringing the total below 176,852, the lowest figure ever recorded. The largest declines in unemployment were registered in Andalusia (-12,271), the Valencian Community (-2.173), and Madrid (-1,504 ). Meanwhile, a separate report showed that Spain added 33,067 net formal jobs in December, bringing total registered employment to 21.87 million.

The number of people registering as jobless in Spain fell by 18.8 thousand from the previous month to 2.424 million in November 2025, following a 22.1-thousand increase in October and beating expectations of a 12.4 thousand decline. This marks the biggest drop in unemployment in five months and the lowest level for a November since 2007. Unemployment decreased across all activity sectors, including services (-13,013), industry (-1,552), agriculture (-1,332), and construction (-881). Youth unemployment also fell by 5,476, bringing the total below 190,000, the lowest figure ever recorded for a November. The largest declines in unemployment were registered in Andalusia (-6,934), Madrid (-3,903), and Catalonia (-3,119). Meanwhile, a separate report showed that Spain added 44,734 net formal jobs in November, bringing total registered employment to 21.8 million.