Spain’s Unemployment Rate Reaches 11.4% in Early 2025

Spain’s Unemployment Rate Reaches 11.4% in Early 2025

On April 28, 2025, Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) released new figures showing that the country’s unemployment rate reached 11.4% in the first quarter of 2025. This is the highest figure recorded for a first quarter since 2013.

The number of unemployed individuals stood at 2.79 million. According to the data, around 193,700 more people were registered as unemployed compared to the previous quarter. Seasonal factors contributed significantly to this result, particularly a loss of 142,800 jobs in the hospitality sector. The absence of Easter holidays during this period had a notable effect on employment figures. Public administration also reported fewer jobs, while education, scientific activities, and agriculture showed positive results.

Over a one-year period, labor market conditions showed signs of improvement. Compared to the same quarter in 2024, unemployment is nearly one percentage point lower. Additionally, the workforce grew by approximately 515,400 individuals. Another important development is the share of permanent contracts, which reached 84.88%, indicating stronger job security in the Spanish economy.

The release of these figures comes at an important time as Spain continues efforts to strengthen its labor market stability in 2025.