Labour Market Information: Spain

National level - Spain

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 48.6 million people lived in Spain. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 28 300 in 2022, 20.1% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 10%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 24.1 million people were active on the labour market in Spain. The employment rate was 65.3%, 5.1 percentage points lower than the EU27 average and 2.9 percentage points higher compared to 2018.In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 60.7%, for men, the employment rate was 70%, and for youth, the employment rate was 23.6%, all below the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was nearly matching the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate has not yet returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 15.4% in 2018, and 14.2% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently above the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 6.2 percentage points higher in Spain than in the EU27.

In 2023, 77.6% of the active workforce were from Spain, 4.5% from other EU Member States and 17.7 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (20.6%), followed by manufacturing (13.9%), accommodation and food service activities (10.6%) and administrative and support service activities (10.6%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (22.2%), professional, scientific and technical activities (13.6%), and construction (12.8%).

In Spain, the highest proportion of employees (34%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (94.7%) with 3 269 522 of such businesses. 33.8% of persons employed worked in large companies with more than 250 employees, 13.8% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 10.1% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 8.3% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Spain, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: health professionals, stationary plant and machine operators and agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers. on the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were science and engineering professionals, business and administration associate professionals and science and engineering associate professionals.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 0.9 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.9 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate is equal to 2022, and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 0.7%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

 The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Spain was set at 1323 EUR. Collective barganing in Spain is high at 80.1%.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 2520, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 1 964 in Spain, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 12.3% in Spain and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 11.1% in Spain and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Expected growing or declining sectors | Green transition | Immigration | Remote work | Unemployment | Workers' and employers' preferences on employment and working conditions don't match

Expected growing or declining sectors

We expect growth in the green agri-food industry, in research in clean technologies, energy efficiency and biotechnology, in ICT, IA and renewable energies. Everything seems to indicate that this is a good time for talent, especially highly skilled talent, as the disruptive trends in the labour market in terms of technology, demographics, environment and culture will require well-trained professionals.

Green Transition

PERTE (Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation) are developing changes in 12 areas of employment. They have to be accompanied by new skill training for workers in all sectors and more job stability (agriculture, shipbuilding, aerospace, research…). The 12 projects are the following: - PERTE for the development of the electric and connected vehicle - PERTE for vanguard health - PERTE for renewable energies, renewable hydrogen and storage - PERTE Agri-food - PERTE New language economy - PERTE Circular Economy - PERTE for the naval industry - PERTE Aerospace - PERTE for digitalization of the water cycle - PERTE for microelectronics and semiconductors - PERTE for social and care economy - PERTE for industrial decarbonization They are financed through a combination of public and private funds, including credits, subsidies and direct payments. The real objective is to promote Spain’s economic recovery through investments in strategic projects.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

Immigration in Spain presents a significant challenge in the labour market, particularly due to the mismatch between the skills of incoming workers and the demands of the economy. Immigration from third countries is also necessary in Spain. Many jobs that are not filled by nationals, such as caring for the elderly, truck drivers, cooks, waiters, agricultural industry workers, among others, are filled by these much-needed workers from third countries. Many immigrants take these low-wage, unskilled jobs, mainly in agriculture, construction and hospitality. Therefore, immigration helps these labour shortages, especially in sectors with high demand for low-skilled labour.

Remote work

The incidence of remote work has been gradually increasing in Spain between 2018 and 2023, from 4.3% to 7.1%. Similarly, the share of remote work as measured by ‘sometimes’ has increased from 3.2% to 7.1%. The increase in the incidence of remote work was exceptionally high during the pandemic.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Unemployment (e.g. long-term, youth, female, structural or low-skilled)

We have a high unemployment rate, higher than in EU. We have a good structure of occupational training for unemployed workers and also in professions and trades with high labour demand. Subsidised training is necessary, but it must be limited in order to facilitate incorporation into the labour market. Wages must be improved due to the cost of living. This and other measures would make it easier to enter unemployment people in the labour market. The concept of unemployment means looking for work and being available for work.

Workers’ and employers’ preferences on employment and working conditions don’t match

The reasons for changing jobs are mainly wanting a better work-life balance, better pay, lack of career development opportunities or insufficient challenges, among others, so declining sectors are linked to these matters and difficulty in filling job vacancies.

Galicia

With 2 699 424 inhabitants, Galicia represented about 5.6% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Galicia was 73.4% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector is Andalucía’s predominant economic activity, followed by industry, agriculture and construction.

The economic activities in which the largest numbers of companies operate are retail, except motorcycles and other motor vehicles; food and beverage services; building construction; wholesale, except motorcycles and other motor vehicles; property activities; and health activities. The largest companies include Endesa Generación, Bida Farma and Atlantic Copper, which occupy the top positions among the strongest companies. By provinces, the companies with the highest turnover are the following: Cosentino Group, Unica Group and FJ Sánchez Sucesores in Almería; APM Terminals Algeciras, Osborne Group and Iberinox Recycling Plus in Cádiz; Cunext Copper Industries, Deoleo Global and SCA Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches in Córdoba; Bida Farma, Lactalis Puleva and Coviran in Granada; Atlantic Copper, Minas de Aguas Teñidas and Atalaya Riotinto Minera in Huelva; Aceites del Sur-Coosur, Petroprix Energía and Grupo Alvic FR Mobiliario in Jaén; China Red, Compañía Logistica Acotral and Mercaoleo in Málaga; and Endesa Generación, Bida Farma and Heineken España in Seville.

In 2023, more than 1 250 000 people were active in the labour market in Galicia. 44.7% had tertiary education, 24.1% had secondary education, and 31.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Galicia was 47.4 % in 2023, 3.6 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 43.6%, men had an employment rate of 51.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 19.8%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Galicia was 9.7% in 2023, 2.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 11% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Occupations with the best employment prospects are:

Journeymen, operatives and craftsmen in mechanical and other trades not classified under other headings, livestock farm labourers, reinforced concrete workers, plasterers and related trades, table waiters, sales assistants in shops and warehouses, manufacturing industry labourers not classified under other headings, cleaners and domestic assistants, cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments, cooks, kitchen assistants, customer information service employees not elsewhere classified, bricklayers, clerical support staff not elsewhere classified, home care workers, building construction workers and child care workers.

Shortages

On the other hand, according to the survey carried out by the Occupations Observatory of the State Public Employment Service in 2023 on job vacancies that remain unfilled, the occupations that are most frequently repeated are: Table waiters, Bricklayers, Cooks, Plumbers and pipe fitters, Heavy lorry drivers, Welders and flame cutters and Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers

Surpluses

Sales assistants in shops and warehouses, cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments, administrative support staff not classified under other headings. Table waiters, shelf stockers, loading workers, cashier and ticket dispensers and public works and maintenance workers.

Asturias (Principado de Asturias)

With 1 006 060 inhabitants, Asturias represented about 2.1% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Asturias was 72.9% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector accounts for 83.13 % of the total, followed by construction (11.88 %) and industry (4.98 %). Companies such as Alimerka, ArcelorMittal, Lacera, Hijos de Luis Rodríguez (Masymas), Daorje, Azvase, Corporación Alimentaria Peñasanta, Gerusia, Imasa Ingeniería y Proyectos and Hulleras del Norte (Hunosa) are major employers.

By sectors, recruitment figures were highest in the services sector (83.27 %), particularly in hotel and restaurant services, trade, building services and gardening, care in residential establishments and transport and warehousing. Construction accounts for 6.42 %, mainly in specialised construction activities. The proportion employed in industry stood at 5.33 %, mainly in food industries; manufacture of metal products (except machinery and equipment); metallurgy (manufacture of iron, steel and ferroalloy products); manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products; waste collection, treatment and disposal; repair and installation of machinery and equipment. The agricultural sector accounts for 4.36 %, mainly in agriculture, livestock farming, hunting and related services.

In 2023, more than 446 700 people were active in the labour market in Asturias. 48.2% had tertiary education, 25.8% had secondary education, and 26% had primary education. The employment rate in Asturias was 43.6 % in 2023, 7.4 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 40.6%, men had an employment rate of 47%, and for the youth the employment rate was 18.7%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Asturias was 12.1% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the 10 economic activities with the best employment prospects would be: Repair and installation of machinery and equipment; Health activities; Environmental management consulting activities; Sports, recreation and entertainment activities; Other professional, scientific and technical activities; Construction of buildings; Real estate activities; Creation, arts and entertainment activities.

Shortages

The occupations in which the greatest recruitment opportunities have been identified are the following:

• craft and related trades workers;
• tool manufacturing workers;
• mechanic-fitters, tool and die makers and related trades;
• metal production process control technicians;
• bricklayers and related workers;
• salaried lorry drivers;
• salaried waiters;
• shop salespersons;
• domestic workers;
• kitchen helpers;
• nursing assistants;
• domestic care workers;
• recreation and entertainment monitors;
• remote operators.

Surpluses

According to the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, most of the occupations in which demand exceeds the supply of jobs are those requiring fewer qualifications (labourers, administrative assistants, clerical support workers, etc.).

The most significant occupations where demand for employment exceeds supply are as follows:

• administrative employees without front-office duties
• shelf stackers
• cashiers and ticket clerks (except banks)
• receptionists (except in hotels)
• building caretakers
• garden, horticultural and nursery labourers
• building construction labourers
• civil engineering labourers

Cantabria

With 588 387 inhabitants, Cantabria represented about 1.2% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Cantabria was 74.3% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 79.9%.

The autonomous community of Cantabria, located in the central north of the Iberian Peninsula, covers an area of 5,321 km2 with 284 km of coastline on the Cantabrian Sea. With regard to the origin of the population, three quarters are natives of the region itself; of the remaining quarter, two out of three come from other areas of Spain and the rest from abroad, mainly Europe and Latin America.

Most of the activity is concentrated in the coastal strip, especially in the east, and in the so-called ‘Bay Arc and Besaya extension’ with the cities of Santander and Torrelavega, plus their outskirts, as the backbone of the region, one as a reference point for the services sector and the other with an industrial tradition. The coast is characterised by a mild and temperate Atlantic climate. The inland climate is more similar to a moderate continental climate. 70% of the trips, by any means -including walking- from home to work take no more than 20 minutes, which is close to the ‘15 minutes’ commitment.

The economic sectors that stand out positively, in order of importance, are the services, industrial and construction sectors. With some specific activities leading growth such as transport, tourism, hotels and catering, information and communications, construction, manufacturing and food industry. To a lesser extent those related to the primary sector which in this community is quite limited, focusing mainly on livestock and fishing. The latest Central Business Directory registers a total of 37,801 companies in Cantabria, with 43,516 active premises or work centres. The business structure in Cantabria is characterised by a high degree of atomisation: slightly more than half of the companies have no employees and of those that do, 83% have fewer than six employees, while those with more than fifty employees account for only 1.3%.

In 2023, more than 277 400 people were active in the labour market in Cantabria. 52.2% had tertiary education, 24.6% had secondary education, and 23.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Cantabria was 49.6 % in 2023, 1.4 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 44.8%, men had an employment rate of 54.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 20%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Cantabria was 8.1% in 2023, 4.1 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 9.6% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Quantitatively, the main economic activities are Retail trade, Food and beverage services, Building construction, Specialised construction activities, Real estate activities, Wholesale trade and trade intermediaries, Other personal services, Land and pipeline transport, Education and Health activities, accounting for 87 % of active enterprises.

The annual volume of work in 2023 has increased, although the transfer- substitution of temporary contracts for permanent contracts, which started in 2022, masks this positive behaviour of the labour market by reducing the volume of recruitment. In short, the Cantabrian labour market maintains this positive trend, which began three years ago.

There is currently an unsatisfied over-demand for employment which runs parallel to and coexists with a shortage of candidates to satisfy job offers. These two contradictory realities are currently being experienced in the autonomous community and in Spain in general, although to a lesser degree.

Significant pockets of unemployment remain, structural and difficult to reverse, with long-term unemployed people with low or very low employability profiles. On the other hand, in certain occupations there are difficulties in finding professionals. Obstacles of different nature, shortage of professionals with the right profile, strong seasonal demand, poor working attitudes, geographical and functional mobility, acceptance threshold or opportunity cost, working conditions, etc.

Shortages

Thus, there are currently economic activities in Cantabria which have difficulties in finding suitable candidates for their job offers, occupations (medicine and nursing) related to health activities in general, qualified construction personnel, technical profiles in the metal and wood branch, lorry drivers, especially international, trade and distribution or qualified professionals related to information and communication technologies. On the other hand, all entrepreneurial initiatives would be favourably received.

The impact of the different crises and the evolution of new technologies has led to important transformations in the structure and functioning of the labour market, which requires job profiles with new labour skills that are constantly being renewed.

The ratio between job vacancies and job seekers is unbalanced in certain occupations, which translates into an excess of job applications registered with the public employment services that remain unfulfilled. In most cases, these are low or medium-skilled occupations that are sought after in search of opportunities, even if they are temporary and/or seasonal.

Surpluses

The following are, in quantitative order, the main occupational groups with a surplus of unemployed people, although there is also a lack of applicants from time to time:

• Sales assistants in shops and warehouses
• Cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments
• Manufacturing industry labourers
• Administrative support staff
• Waiters and servers
• Forestry labourers
• Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
• Shelf Stockers
• Building construction workers
• Farmers and skilled orchard, greenhouse, nursery and garden workers
• Garden and horticultural workers
• Receptionists (general)
• Public works and maintenance labourers
• Freight labourers

Basque Country (País Vasco)

With 2 216 302 inhabitants, Basque Country represented about 4.6% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Basque Country was 101.7% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 79.9%.

According to the estimate of the Spanish Regional Accounts (CRE) for 2022, the Basque Country was the fourth community with the greatest increase in GDP, with an annual growth rate in volume terms of 6%, higher than that of the Spanish economy as a whole (5.8%) and that of the European Union (3.4%). It has the second highest GDP per capita in Spain (35,832 euros), compared to the national average of 28,162 euros. Public administration, education, health and social services, commerce, hotels and catering and transport were the main growth sectors, as well as the positive evolution of exports.

In 2023, more than 1 079 100 people were active in the labour market in Basque Country. 58.6% had tertiary education, 22.5% had secondary education, and 18.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Basque Country was 51.8 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.2%, men had an employment rate of 56.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.8%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Basque Country was 7.7% in 2023, 4.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 8.9% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

In the transport sector, truck drivers and logisticians are needed. In construction, electricians, plumbers and bricklayers. In the industrial sector, industrial engineers, electronic and mechanical technicians, mechanics and repairers, welders and flame cutters are needed. In the health sector, there is a shortage of specialised nurses, specialist and family doctors, as well as occupational and environmental health and hygiene professionals. In the hotel and catering industry, companies have difficulties in finding professional waiters and cooks.

The occupations where the greatest recruitment opportunities are detected in relation to the number of registered applicants belong to the service sector, such as:

• Mining and metallurgy engineering technicians.
• Operators of machines for manufacturing plastic material products
• Administration policy specialists
• Database and computer network specialists
• Software and multimedia developers and analysts
• Middle-level professionals in cultural and artistic activities
• Broadcasting and audio-visual recording technicians
• Teachers’ assistants
• Transport service employees
• Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Equipment Technicians

Surpluses

The highest number of unemployed continues to be in low-skilled occupations. The high volume of applications persists in occupations related to hospitality, commerce and industry:

• Cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments.
• Sales assistants in shops and warehouses
• Manufacturing industry labourers
• Waiters and waitresses
• Shelf stockers
• Freight handlers
• Administrative support staff
• Kitchen helpers
• Cleaners and domestic helpers
• Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
• Building construction workers
• Receptionists (general)

Navarre (Comunidad Foral de Navarra)

With 672 155 inhabitants, Navarre represented about 1.4% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Navarre was 95.8% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 79.9%.

The Autonomous Community of Navarre contributes 1.68 % to the national GDP, with the services sector having the greatest weight in the Community’s economic activity, followed by industry, construction and agriculture. The Gross Domestic Product per inhabitant in 2022 was 33,798 euros, 8.88% higher than the previous year and higher than the national average of 28,162 euros.

With regard to employment contracts, the number of contracts registered in Navarre in 2023 totalled 288,064, which represents a decrease of 13.84% with respect to the previous year. The rate of contracts to foreigners is 21.40 % in this last period.

By sector, services were the sector which, year after year, generated the most contracts in Navarre. Its weight in the total distribution was over 66.

%, followed by industry with 25.92 %. 74.09 % of the contracts registered were distributed among six sections of economic activity (C

E 09) and were as follows: Manufacturing industry, Health and social work activities, Accommodation, Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorbikes, Administrative and support service activities, and Education.

In 2023, more than 331 700 people were active in the labour market in Navarre. 50.7% had tertiary education, 25% had secondary education, and 24.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Navarre was 52.2 % in 2023, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.7%, men had an employment rate of 56.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22.9%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Navarre was 9.9% in 2023, 2.3 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

In Navarre there are occupations that are difficult to fill. These are occupations related to the social-health sector, construction, transport, the hotel and catering industry, agriculture, engineering, ICT, carpentry and joinery.

Below is a list of occupations requiring labour in Navarre (there is no priority criterion in this list):

• Specialist doctors
• Nursing professionals
• Occupational health, environmental and related inspectors
• Electrical engineers
• Electrical technicians
• Industrial chemistry technicians
• Physical science and engineering technicians not elsewhere classified
• Food and allied products machine operators
• Process Control Technicians not elsewhere classified
• Crane, hoist and related equipment operators
• Self-Lifting Vehicle Operators
• Carpenters and joinery workers
• Farm labourers

Surpluses

Most of the occupations in which excess demand continues to be recorded coincide with those of lower qualification. The high volume of demand persists in hotels and catering, commerce, as well as in industrial and transport activities.

Thus, the most significant occupations whose demand exceeds the forecast of job vacancies are, among others:

• Labourers in manufacturing industries,
• Office cleaners and assistants,
• Hotel and other establishments,
• Sales assistants in shops and warehouses,
• Shelf stockers,
• Vehicle drivers and
• Freight handlers.

Rioja (La Rioja)

With 322 282 inhabitants, Rioja represented about 0.7% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Rioja was 83.9% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 79.9%.

La Rioja is a single-province autonomous community located in northern Spain. It borders the provinces of Soria, Zaragoza, Navarra, Álava and Burgos.

La Rioja is the smallest autonomous community in Spain (5,045 km2) and the one with the smallest population, 322,282 inhabitants as of 1 January 2023, 0.67% of the Spanish population and with a population density of 62 inhabitants per km2. The region has two distinct areas, the Ebro valley, where the population is concentrated, and the mountains, with a low population rate.

La Rioja, a small region in terms of population and size, has an economy based on agriculture, especially wine production, and a growing manufacturing industry. The unemployment rate has risen slightly, although the number of businesses has fallen.

In 2023, more than 161 800 people were active in the labour market in Rioja. 42.5% had tertiary education, 23.9% had secondary education, and 33.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Rioja was 52.8 % in 2023, 1.8 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.2%, men had an employment rate of 58.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22.2%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Rioja was 9.4% in 2023, 2.8 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

• In the services sector, the greatest recruitment opportunities are found in the following areas: Socio-health activities, Nursing professionals, Personal care workers in institutions, General practitioners
• Information technologies: network, systems and ICT technicians; and
• Logistics and transport activities.
• In the construction sector: bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers.
• In the agricultural sector: farmers and skilled workers in extensive crops.

Surpluses

• In the services sector: Administrative support staff, Shop and store sales assistants, Receptionists (general), Bank and related cashiers, General clerks
• In the industrial sector: Manufacturing industry labourers, Machine and plant operators.

Aragon (Aragón)

With 1 341 289 inhabitants, Aragon represented about 2.8% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Aragon was 88.1% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 79.9%.

The automotive industry is a major player in the region, in which more than 350 companies from this sector are present. At the same time, with almost 1 000 businesses in Aragon, the agri-food sector is the second largest industrial sector in terms of turnover and employment. In addition to these sectors, logistics, tourism and renewable energy contribute to the industry in this region.

The region’s largest companies are located in the province of Zaragoza. Opel España is the largest company, and various ancillary companies depend on it. Other companies of note in this province are paper manufacturer SAICA, Alliance Healthcare, Simply supermarkets, Pikolín, Inditex, and BSH. In Teruel, companies of note include UTISA, part of the FINSA group Ronal Ibérica SAU, Casting Ros and the Térvalis group, Arco Iris Group and Tarmac Aragón S.L. Huesca is home to the pharmaceutical company Bieffe Medital, Becton Dickinson and Ercros.

The primary and agri-food sector is a key industry in this province, especially Litera Meat and Fribin and Piensos Costa, Mazana Piensos Compuestos, Cincaporc and Agropienso.

In 2023, more than 668 700 people were active in the labour market in Aragon. 44.8% had tertiary education, 24.7% had secondary education, and 30.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Aragon was 52.9 % in 2023, 1.9 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.5%, men had an employment rate of 58.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 24.8%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Aragon was 8.6% in 2023, 3.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

There are vacancies in the agricultural sector, in occupations for which labour is required on a seasonal basis, in the logistics sector where forklift operators and distributors are required, the services sector, where a lack of qualified staff to provide care in residences, specialised doctors and nurses and hospital nursing assistants has been identified. Difficulties have also arisen filling teaching vacancies in certain technical subjects and in vocational training. For green jobs, there are difficulties in filling vacancies for photovoltaic panel installers.

The construction sector is also reporting a lack of bricklayers, electricians, crane operators, supervisors, construction managers and civil engineers.

In the field of transport, the lack of lorry drivers is another of the shortages that is generally making itself felt in the logistics sector. Similarly, in the production system as a whole, technological profiles such as data analysts, computer engineers, engineers with expertise in renewable energy (wind farms, photovoltaic systems), and big data and IT security technicians and experts in business intelligence.

Shortages

• general medical practitioners
• nursing professionals
• agricultural seasonal sector
• vocational training teachers
• photovoltaic panel installers
• systems analysts
• web and multimedia developers
• computer engineers
• bricklayers and related workers
• heavy truck and lorry drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the number of jobseekers exceeds the number of vacancies in low-skilled occupations.

In the industrial sector, this applies to manufacturing labourers, and in the services sector, it applies to cleaners, office assistants, administrative support staff, household cleaners, receptionists and shelf stackers.

Autonomous Community of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid)

With 6 871 903 inhabitants, Autonomous Community of Madrid represented about 14.3% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Autonomous Community of Madrid was 109% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector accounts for 84,2 % of the total, followed by industry, 10,5%, construction 5,1% and agriculture, 0,2%

The biggest companies in term of employment are Repsol, ACS, El Corte Inglés, Telefónica, Mapfre, Endesa and Gas natural.

By sectors, recruitment figures were highest in the services sector, particularly in hotel and restaurant services, trade, transport and warehousing. The more important sector in construction in terms of employments is focused on house buildings. The more relevant sector in industry stand is food industries; manufacture of metal products, textiles, leather and footwear.

In 2023, more than 3 696 100 people were active in the labour market in Autonomous Community of Madrid. 51.9% had tertiary education, 24.5% had secondary education, and 23.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Autonomous Community of Madrid was 56.1 % in 2023, 5.1 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 51.7%, men had an employment rate of 61%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.7%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Autonomous Community of Madrid was 10% in 2023, 2.2 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 11.2% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the occupations employing the most people are those with very low qualification requirements and a high turnover in recruitment. It is remarkable the important number of vacancies for cleaners and shop assistants’ professions regarding another regions.

Apart from frequent recruitment for low-skilled positions, Madrid Autonomous Community requires drivers and employees in logistic sector.

Shortages

• mechanic and repairman of electric equipment
• family doctors
• nursing professionals
• Plumbers
• waiters, cleaners
• bricklayers and related workers
• technical metalworkers, such as welders
• drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the number of jobseekers exceeds the number of vacancies in low-skilled occupations.

Below is a list of the occupational groups in which there is a surplus of workers:

• clerical support workers not elsewhere classified
• gardeners, horticultural and nursery growers
• building caretakers
• shop sales assistants
• painters and decorators
• cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments

Castile and Leon (Castilla y León)

With 2 383 703 inhabitants, Castile and Leon represented about 5% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Castile and Leon was 76.6% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 79.9%.

Castilla y Leon, located in the northwest, is the region with the largest surface area in Spain and the third largest in the European Union, with 2,248 municipalities. It borders nine of Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities, which makes it a junction and communication hub between numerous regions of Spain.

The Central Business Directory 2023 registered 148,223 companies, of which 82.43% had less than three employees and only 379 of them had more than 100 employees.

The region is the 7th economy in the GDP ranking of the Autonomous Communities. In terms of GDP per capita, it is 8th in the ranking of GDP per capita of the Autonomous Communities, which means that its population has a good standard of living in relation to the rest of the territories.

In 2023, more than 1 119 800 people were active in the labour market in Castile and Leon. 42.7% had tertiary education, 25.4% had secondary education, and 31.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Castile and Leon was 48.2 % in 2023, 2.8 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 42.8%, men had an employment rate of 53.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 20.1%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Castile and Leon was 9.7% in 2023, 2.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Job vacancies in Castilla y León are mostly in the service sector. Within the employed population, 70.43 % work in the service sector, 17.01 % in industry, 6.61 % in construction and 5.95 % in agriculture.

The Labour Force Survey (fourth quarter of 2023) indicates that 86.80 % of those in employment were employed on a full-time basis and 13.20 % on a part-time basis. Analysing the working day according to sex, there is still a big difference as women formalise 22.70 % of their contracts on a part-time basis, compared to 5.30 % for men.

The largest companies located in Castilla y León are: Renault Group España, Grupo Antolín, Michelin España Portugal, Iveco España, Campofrío Food Group, Nissan Motor Ibérica, Valcarce Tarjeta Transporte, Pascual, Grupo Global Exchange, Benteler Ibérica Holding, GSK, AB Azucarera Ibérica, Grupo Entrepinares, Galletas Gullón, Agropecuaria del Centro Agrocesa, Bernabé Campal, Cobadu-S. Coop. Bajo Duero, Cerealto Siro Foods, Harinera Vilafranquina, Agropal Grupo Alimentario

The difficulties in filling jobs in some activities are due to aspects such as: geographical and functional mobility, the thresholds of acceptance of working conditions (salary, working hours) or the lack of infrastructures and communications in territories in the region. Likewise, there are occupations with a mismatch between the qualifications accredited by workers and those demanded by employers.

Shortages

Occupations in which the number of people hired is higher than the number of job seekers are:

• Family doctor
• Specialist doctor
• Nursing professionals
• Physiotherapists
• Heavy truck drivers
• Cooks
• Preschool teachers
• Personal home care workers
• Bricklayers
• Site electricians and related workers

Surpluses

The occupations in which there is the greatest surplus of jobseekers are as follows:

• Waiters and servers
• Farm labourers
• Physical education and recreation instructors
• Kitchen assistants
• Mixed crop and livestock farm labourers
• Protection guards
• Call centre employees
• Telemarketers
• Freight labourers
• Cleaners and domestic helpers

Castilla-La Mancha

With 2 084 086 inhabitants, Castile-La Mancha represented about 4.3% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Castile-La Mancha was 64.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

Castilla-La mancha is the third largest region in Spain after Castilla-León and Andalusia and represents 15.70 % of the national territory. It has a population of 2,053,328. Its population density is low (26 inhabitants/Km2) compared to the average density in Spain (94 inhabitants/Km2). The registered foreign population is 193,475, representing 9.42% of the total population.

In terms of annual GDP, the largest contribution is made by the service sector with 64.51 %, industry with 19.85 %, agriculture with 9.36 % and construction with the remaining 6.28 %.

The number of active enterprises in Castilla-La Mancha on 1 January 2022 was 129,626. 54.21 % of them do not employ any employees and 37.97 % employ between 1 and 5 employees. Only 0.47% employ more than 50 workers.

In 2023, more than 1 031 400 people were active in the labour market in Castile-La Mancha. 35.2% had tertiary education, 23.1% had secondary education, and 41.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Castile-La Mancha was 50 % in 2023, the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 42.6%, men had an employment rate of 57.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22.9%. The employment rates for women and the youth were below the national average, while the employment rate for men was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Castile-La Mancha was 13.2% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and a decrease from 14.6% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The number of employees in the region has increased considerably (2.31%) compared to the previous year. The highest percentage is in Public Administration and defence, compulsory social security, Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorbikes, Agriculture, livestock, hunting and related services, Health activities and, finally, Food and beverage services.

Castilla-La Mancha is the seventh region with the highest unemployment rate (14.38 %), above that of the country as a whole (12.87 %). In terms of employed population, by sector, the services sector is the one with the highest number of employed persons (70.03 %), followed by industry (15.28 %), agriculture (6.6 %) and agriculture (6.6 %). and construction (8.09 %).

The regional labour market has an unmet labour surplus. With the successive crises, this unemployment has become structural and long-term unemployment.

In Castilla-La Mancha, if there is one activity that continues to have a similar performance to previous years, it is agriculture, where there is an occasional need for labour. Two periods with the greatest labour needs stand out: the grape harvest (September), the olive harvest (December/January) and the garlic harvest (December/January). The occupations to be highlighted in this area are those of agricultural labourers and shepherds.

Recruitment in the food industry, which is closely linked to agricultural activity and therefore also subject in many cases to seasonal factors, continues to be significant.

Shortages

In the services sector, the most needed occupations are related to Health professionals (nurses, doctors and physiotherapists), Staff for old people’s homes. Others are Vehicle repairers, Salaried lorry drivers, Drivers, Meat operators, Freight transport workers and unloaders, Logistics employees, Delivery drivers, Salaried cooks, Salaried waiters, cleaning staff for offices, hotels and other similar establishments; Systems analysts, Graphic and multimedia designers, Computer systems operations technicians and Computer programmers.

In industry, labour is needed in occupations related to iron and steel (electricians, refrigeration technicians, plumbers, sheet metal workers and boilermakers, metal trades and metal carpentry), mechanics adjusting agricultural machinery, lathe operators, maintenance technicians, welders, regulators and machine tool operators.

Finally, in the construction sector, specialised professionals (journeymen) with experience in new systems, materials and energy efficiency technologies are required.

Surpluses

The construction activity, especially in work associated with refurbishment, continues to present a surplus of job seekers, especially in occupations with lower qualifications.

Based on the evolution of the number of unemployed and the imbalance between hiring and demand, the occupations with the largest surpluses are:

• Farmers and skilled workers in orchards, greenhouses, nurseries and gardens.
• Sewing machine operators
• Footwear, leather goods and leather glove machine operators.
• Operators of looms and other weaving machines.
• Printers
• Woodworking machine setters and operators
• Manufacturing industry labourers
• Cabinet makers and related trades
• Floor layers and floor layers
• Shop and store sales assistants
• Hairdressers
• Hotel receptionists
• Cashiers and ticket sellers.
• Shelf stockers.

Extremadura

With 1 054 306 inhabitants, Extremadura represented about 2.2% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Extremadura was 60.5% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

The service sector accounts for 73% of the total followed by industry, 11%, agriculture,9,1% and construction, 6,7%

Companies such as AG Siderúrgica Balboa, Gallardo Corrugados, Acorex, Deutz Spain, Joca Ingeniería y Construcciones and Renovables Samca are the biggest companies.

By sectors, recruitment figures were highest in the services sector, in public administration, education, health sector and social services (42,6%) followed by trade, hotel business and restaurants, logistic and warehousing, (33,1%). The more important sector in construction is building houses. The workers employed in industry stood at 11 %, mainly in food industries textiles, leather and footwear. The agricultural and cattle industry are a very important sectors in term of employment.

In 2023, more than 502 500 people were active in the labour market in Extremadura. 37.8% had tertiary education, 21% had secondary education, and 41.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Extremadura was 45.4 % in 2023, 5.6 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 38.9%, men had an employment rate of 52.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 16.8%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Extremadura was 17.4% in 2023, 5.2 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the occupations employing the most people are those with very low qualification requirements and a high turnover in recruitment. Some of them (agriculture labourer, waiters, cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments and construction labourers) are also on the list of over-subscribed jobs.

Apart from frequent recruitment for low-skilled positions, the Extremadura Autonomous Community requires teachers for primary education, drivers and employees in logistic sector.

Shortages

• mechanic and repairman of electric equipment
• family doctors
• nursing professionals
• plumbers
• waiters, cleaners
• bricklayers and related workers
• technical metalworkers, such as welders
• drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the number of jobseekers exceeds the number of vacancies in low-skilled occupations. Below is a list of the occupational groups in which there is a surplus of workers:

• cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments
• clerical support workers not elsewhere classified
• gardeners, horticultural and nursery growers
• building caretakers
• shop sales assistants
• painters and decorators

Catalonia (Cataluña)

With 7 901 963 inhabitants, Catalonia represented about 16.4% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Catalonia was 92.4% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 79.9%.

Catalonia is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered to the north by France and Andorra, to the east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the west by Aragon and to the south by the Comunitat Valenciana. The territory has 870 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, and the capital city is Barcelona.

The Catalan population exceeds 8 million, with a population density of 246.11 inhabitants/km2. The foreign population residing in Catalonia represents 17.24% of the total. In relation to Spain, Catalonia accounts for 16.43% of the total Spanish population. Barcelona has the highest number of inhabitants (73.37 %), followed by Tarragona (10.74 %), Girona (10.23

%) and Lleida (5.66 %). The eleven municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, in order of highest to lowest population, are Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Terrassa, Badalona and Sabadell, Lleida, Tarragona, Mataró, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Reus and Girona. The municipality of Barcelona stands out with 1,655,956 inhabitants.

By major sectors, industry has increased by 3.8 %, construction by 0.6 % and services by 2.9 %, while the agricultural sector has decreased by 14.8.

%. According to the advanced estimate, Trade, transport and hotels and restaurants has increased by 3.0%, Real estate, professional and other activities by 2.6% and public administration, education, health and social services by 3.6% with respect to the fourth quarter of 2023.

The number of companies (except those in the agricultural sector) with establishments in Catalonia registered in January 2023 is 591,734. The business fabric is mainly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies with no employees account for 55.33% of the total, those with less than 10 employees account for 39.68%, while those with more than

199 employees account for 0.23%. The number of companies with between 1 and 2 workers is significant, representing 26.77 % of the total. Catalonia is the Autonomous Community with the highest number of active companies in Spain, with 18.45 %. By sector, the services sector is the one with the highest percentage of contribution centres, 83.18 % of the total, construction 11.37 % and industry 5.45 %.

In 2023, more than 4 119 000 people were active in the labour market in Catalonia. 46.6% had tertiary education, 23.7% had secondary education, and 29.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Catalonia was 55 % in 2023, 4 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 50.7%, men had an employment rate of 59.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 31.9%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Catalonia was 9.3% in 2023, 2.9 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The largest number of employed workers is concentrated in the service sector (76.07%), followed by industry (16.52%), construction (6.03 %) and agriculture (1.39 %).

In December 2023, the number of workers affiliated to Social Security in Catalonia was 3,688,792. The General Scheme accounts for 82.60 % of the Catalan affiliation, workers affiliated to the Self-Employed Scheme represent 15.18 %. The five economic activities with the highest number of affiliated workers are Retail trade, except for motor vehicles and motorbikes, Education, Health activities, Wholesale trade and trade intermediaries, except for motor vehicles and motorbikes, and Food and beverage services.

Of the total number of contracts in Catalonia in 2023, 27.94% correspond to foreign workers.

Shortages

Some of the occupations where labour is needed are as follows:

• Medical specialists
• Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers
• Nursing professionals
• Waiters and servers  Hotel receptionists
• Cooks
• Database and computer network specialists not elsewhere classified
• Mechanical engineering technicians
• Software developers
• Occupational health, environmental and related inspectors
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Freshwater and coastal water fishers

Surpluses

• Purchasing agents
• Painters and wallpapers
• Assemblers of electrical and electronic equipment
• Farmers and skilled workers in orchards, greenhouses, nurseries and gardens
• Forestry labourers
• Assemblers of mechanical machinery
• Camera attendants and assistants
• Crane, hoist and related equipment operators
• Photographers
• Supply, distribution and related company managers
• Art Gallery, Museum and Library Technicians

Valencia (Comunitat Valenciana)

With 5 216 195 inhabitants, Valencia represented about 10.8% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Valencia was 69.5% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector accounts for 65,10 % of the total, followed by industry (17 %) and construction (6.49 %). Companies such as Mercadona, Pamesa, BP, Anecop, Eurogroup, Power electronics are the biggest companies.

By sectors, recruitment figures were highest in the services sector (83.27%), particularly in hotel and restaurant services, trade, real estate services and transport and warehousing. The more important sector in construction in terms of employments is focused on house buildings. The more relevant sector in industry stand is food industries, manufacture of metal products chemicals, toys, textiles, leather and footwear. The agricultural sector accounts for 4.%. It is a very prominent activity, highly productive and export oriented.

The irrigated crops of the coastal plains stand out (orange trees, vegetables, fruit trees, among others), which almost equal in surface area to the dry land crops of the interior (cereals, grapevines, olive trees, almond trees and carob trees) although the irrigated crops are more productive.

In 2023, more than 2 642 200 people were active in the labour market in Valencia. 41% had tertiary education, 22.8% had secondary education, and 36.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Valencia was 51 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 45.6%, men had an employment rate of 56.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 24.6%. The employment rate for women was below the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Valencia was 12.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the occupations employing the most people are those with very low qualification requirements and a high turnover in recruitment. Some of them (waiters, cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments and construction labourers) are also on the list of over-subscribed jobs.

Apart from frequent recruitment for low-skilled positions, the Valencia Autonomous Community requires teachers for primary education, drivers and employees in logistic sector.

Shortages

• mechanic and repairman of electric equipment
• family doctors
• nursing professionals
• Plumbers
• waiters, cleaners
• bricklayers and related workers
• technical metalworkers, such as welders
• drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the number of jobseekers exceeds the number of vacancies in low-skilled occupations.

In the industrial sector, this applies to manufacturing labourers, and in the services sector, it applies to cleaners, office assistants, administrative support staff, household cleaners, receptionists and shelf stackers.

Balearic Islands (Illes Balears)

With 1 209 906 inhabitants, Balearic Islands represented about 2.5% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Balearic Islands was 83.9% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector accounts for 82,2 % of the total, followed by construction, 9,6%, industry 6,7% and agriculture, 1,5%

The biggest companies in term of employment are Air Europa, Eroski, Barceló Hotel Group, Criteria Caixa and GESA.

By sectors, recruitment figures were highest in the services sector, particularly in hotel and restaurant services, trade, transport and warehousing. The more important sector in construction in terms of employments is focused on house buildings. The more relevant sector in industry stand is food industries, manufacture of metal products, textiles, leather and footwear.

In 2023, more than 657 400 people were active in the labour market in Balearic Islands. 34% had tertiary education, 30% had secondary education, and 35.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Balearic Islands was 56.4 % in 2023, 5.4 percentage points higher than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 52.2%, men had an employment rate of 60.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 29.7%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Balearic Islands was 10.3% in 2023, 1.9 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the occupations employing the most people are those with very low qualification requirements and a high turnover in recruitment. It is remarkable the important number of vacancies in customers service profession regarding another regions.

Apart from frequent recruitment for low-skilled positions, the Balearic Islands requires teachers for primary education, drivers and employees in logistic sector.

Shortages

• mechanic and repairman of electric equipment
• family doctors
• nursing professionals
• plumbers
• waiters, cleaners
• bricklayers and related workers
• technical metalworkers
• drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, the number of jobseekers exceeds the number of vacancies in low-skilled occupations.

In the industrial sector, this applies to manufacturing labourers, and in the services sector, it applies to cleaners, office assistants, administrative support staff, household cleaners, receptionists and shelf stackers.

Andalusia (Andalucía)

With 8 584 147 inhabitants, Andalusia represented about 17.9% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Andalusia was 59.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

The services sector is Andalucía’s predominant economic activity, followed by industry, agriculture and construction.

The economic activities in which the largest numbers of companies operate are retail, except motorcycles and other motor vehicles; food and beverage services; building construction; wholesale, except motorcycles and other motor vehicles; property activities; and health activities. The largest companies include Endesa Generación, Bida Farma and Atlantic Copper, which occupy the top positions among the strongest companies. By provinces, the companies with the highest turnover are the following:

Cosentino Group, Unica Group and FJ Sánchez Sucesores in Almería; APM Terminals Algeciras, Osborne Group and Iberinox Recycling Plus in Cádiz; Cunext Copper Industries, Deoleo Global and SCA Ganadera del Valle de los Pedroches in Córdoba; Bida Farma, Lactalis Puleva and Coviran in Granada; Atlantic Copper, Minas de Aguas Teñidas and Atalaya Riotinto Minera in Huelva; Aceites del Sur-Coosur, Petroprix Energía and Grupo Alvic FR Mobiliario in Jaén; China Red, Compañía

Logistica Acotral and Mercaoleo in Málaga; and Endesa Generación, Bida Farma and Heineken España in Seville.

In 2023, more than 4 138 800 people were active in the labour market in Andalusia. 39% had tertiary education, 22.8% had secondary education, and 38.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Andalusia was 46.1 % in 2023, 4.9 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 40.3%, men had an employment rate of 52.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 18.4%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Andalusia was 18.2% in 2023, 6 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to information from the Observatory for Occupations in the State Public Employment Service, economic activities in hotels and catering and those linked to the tourism sector, such as passenger transport, travel agencies and tour operators, as well as performances, museums and other cultural activities.

There is some difficulty in finding workers in the health sector, whether due to a shortage of professionals, a lack of public funding or the precarious nature of the contracts. The technology sector requires staff who are highly qualified in technical skills to fill the newly created vacancies planned with the forthcoming establishment of large hubs of telecommunications companies, network services and logistics centres.

Shortages

• general medical practitioners
• nursing professionals
• systems analysts
• web and multimedia developers
• bricklayers and related workers
• cooks
• heavy truck and lorry drivers

Surpluses

According to information from the Observatory for occupations in the state public employment service, the categories of occupations with the highest percentages of unemployed people are those requiring average or basic qualifications.

Below is a list of the occupational groups in which there is a surplus of workers:

• cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments
• clerical support workers not elsewhere classified
• gardeners, horticultural and nursery growers
• building caretakers
• shop sales assistants
• painters and decorators
• sweepers and related labourers
• messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters

Murcia (Región de Murcia)

With 1 551 692 inhabitants, Murcia represented about 3.2% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Murcia was 65.8% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

The economy of the Region of Murcia grew by 1.9% in 2023, lower than Spain’s 2.5%, but with a lower inflation rate of around 3.0%. By 2024, growth is expected to be around 1.7 %, also lower than the national total, but productivity remains at low levels. Agriculture, with great weight in this region, has performed unfavourably, as has industry as a whole, with the exception of the food industry, with great strength in this region in production and exports, as well as repair and installation of machinery and equipment, manufacture of metal products and non-metallic minerals; but negative in leather and footwear, energy, clothing and wood and cork. The reactivation continues in construction, especially in public works; and in services, tourism and, to some extent, transport are recovering, while retail trade suffers a certain slowdown.

the economic activities with the best employment prospects according to membership projections and expert opinions are Health care activities; Sports, recreation and entertainment activities; Building construction and specialised construction; Computer programming and consultancy; Office administrative activities; Food industry; Aquaculture; Biotechnology; Repair and installation of machinery and equipment; Renewable energies, especially photovoltaic; Building services and gardening activities; Architectural and engineering activities; Logistics and transport; Business consultancy services; Tourism and accommodation and food service activities; and Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance.

In 2023, more than 766 600 people were active in the labour market in Murcia. 35% had tertiary education, 23.6% had secondary education, and 41.4% had primary education. The employment rate in Murcia was 51.3 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 44.5%, men had an employment rate of 58.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.1%. The employment rates for women and the youth were below the national average, while the employment rate for men was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Murcia was 12.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

The occupations with the best prospects are in agriculture, agronomists and related occupations, as well as farmers and skilled field crop workers.

In industry, machine tool setters and operators, sheet metal workers and boilermakers, welders and flame cutters, agricultural and industrial machine mechanics and repairers - specialising in mechatronics, plumbers and pipe fitters, electrical mechanics and fitters, refrigeration and air- conditioning plant mechanics and fitters, chemical plant and machine operators, food processing machine operators, and food and related product operators.

In construction, Bricklayers, Site electricians and related tradesmen, and Carpenters and joiners. In services, Doctors, Nursing professionals, Physiotherapists, Social work professionals; Vocational training teachers; Waiters and cooks; Heavy truck drivers, Forklift operators, Supply chain technicians, Inventory management, Logistics and transport technicians.

In information and communication technologies, there is a lack of systems analysts, web and multimedia developers, database designers and administrators, and information and communication technology user support technicians. There is also a demand for occupations related to digitalisation in logistics, industry and business services, such as technicians in robotisation, automation, home automation, drone technicians, STEM professionals, Big Data technicians, Blockchain technicians, data scientists, quantum computing experts, artificial intelligence architects, e-commerce specialists, cybersecurity experts

Surpluses

The main occupations with excess labour in the region are as follows:

• Cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments.
• Administrative support staff
• Manufacturing labourers
• Hairdressers
• Shelf stockers
• Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
• Caretakers
• Sewing machine operators

Ceuta (Ciudad de Ceuta)

With 83 052 inhabitants, Ceuta represented about 0.2% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Ceuta was 65.3% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

Ceuta has a fairly young population, almost 40% of whom are under 30 years of age, with an ageing rate of 38,800 people, with more than 60% of whom are male, with an unequal occupation according to sex. The most representative economic activities are Public Administration, Social Security and Retail Trade and health activities. After the Covid-19 health crisis and due to the closure of the borders with Morocco, Ceuta cannot have the cross-border people who supplied labour to the labour market, so there are difficulties in filling the positions requested with the professional level of 1st officer in the construction sector.

In 2023, more than 39 900 people were active in the labour market in Ceuta. 22.8% had tertiary education, 22.1% had secondary education, and 54.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Ceuta was 41.8 % in 2023, 9.2 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 34.9%, men had an employment rate of 48.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 12.1%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Ceuta was 30% in 2023, 17.8 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

There is a shortage of 1st grade journeymen in the construction sector:

• Construction workers and related workers not classified under other headings,
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Painters and wallpaperers
• Construction and related electricians.

Other occupations that present some difficulty in finding professionals are:

• Meat product manufacturer
• Painters and vehicle bodybuilders
• Baker (Mass Officer)
• Butcher (official 1st Arab rite)
• Medical specialists.

Surpluses

The services sector is the one that groups the greatest excess of labour. In general, this excess is concentrated in occupations that require low professional qualifications and whose demand far exceeds the supply, such as:

• Laborers in the manufacturing industry
• Office, hotel and other cleaners and assistants
• Building construction labourers
• Couriers, errands, porters and delivery people.

Other somewhat more qualified occupations also have a number of applicants that cannot be absorbed by the labour market, such as:

• Administrative employees without customer service tasks
• Store and warehouse salespeople
• ATMs and ticket clerks (except banks)
• Security guard assistants
• Personal care workers in health services
• Janitors

Melilla (Ciudad de Melilla)

With 85 493 inhabitants, Melilla represented about 0.2% of the population in Spain in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Melilla was 58.8% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 79.9%.

The economy of Melilla is fundamentally based on the service sector with a relative weight of 89.78% of the total GDP of Melilla, followed at a considerable distance by construction, industry and finally agriculture. Of the total population over 16 years of age in Melilla, 58.62% represent active people, those who work or are actively looking for employment, 27.42% represent people who are unemployed, one of the highest rates at the national level. The rate of contracts by foreigners is 17.31% of the total.

The economic activities with the best employment prospects in the last year are; sports, recreation and entertainment activities, office administrative activities and other auxiliary activities to companies, associative activities, other professional, scientific and technical activities, specialized construction activities, education, activities of the central headquarters; business management consulting activities, food and beverage services, other personal services, gambling and betting activities.

In 2023, more than 36 600 people were active in the labour market in Melilla. 38% had tertiary education, 23.5% had secondary education, and 38.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Melilla was 40.3 % in 2023, 10.7 percentage points lower than the national average in Spain and 2.1 percentage points lower compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 36.1%, men had an employment rate of 44.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 16.7%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Melilla was 26.6% in 2023, 14.4 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Shortages

The mismatch between the supply and demand of employment in the labour market of Melilla has been accentuated by the Covid-19 health crisis and the consequent closure of borders with Morocco, as it is not possible to have the figure of the cross-border worker who traditionally supplied labour to the labour market.

The sector with the greatest mismatches between job supply and demand is the services sector, which at the same time is the driving force of the Melilla Labour Market; there is also a shortage of workers for construction activities (welders, parquet and floor installers, machinery operators, mechanics-assemblers of refrigeration and air conditioning installations, masons, cross-cut cutters, stone carvers and engravers, masons and plasterers. In the food and beverage service sector there is also a lack of labour (cooks, kitchen assistants, waiters…)

Surpluses

There is still a high number of jobseekers in occupations with a medium-low level of qualifications, in the service sector. There are surpluses in terms of:

• Cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and others.
• Couriers, errands, porters and delivery people.
• Farm labourers.
• Gardening and horticulture labourers.
• Protection guards.
• Administrative support staff.
• Laborers in the manufacturing industry.
• Library employees.
• Public works and maintenance labourers.
• Store and warehouse sales assistants