Publications

Employment increased by 0.5% quarterly SA (2.3% year-on-year), 0.1 percentage points more than in the first quarter, but less than expected. Hours worked and the labour force also increased, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 10.2% and the temporary employment rate declined to 15.0%.

Spain’s labour market remains dynamic, supported by the foreign population, which helps offset demographic ageing. Immigration is key to sustaining employment, though integration faces temporary employment and productivity challenges. The regularisation process is expected to have a limited macroeconomic impact.

Employment grew by 0.4% quarterly SA (2.4% YoY), four tenths less than in the fourth quarter of 2025. Hours worked also slowed down, while the active population rebounded and the unemployment rate stagnated at 10.2% SA.

Employment rose 0.9% QoQ (SA), four tenths faster than in Q3. Hours worked and participation increased, while unemployment fell to 10.2% (SA). In 2025, 567,200 jobs were created (2.6%) and the jobless rate declined to 10.5%.

The study estimates the employment effects of utility-scale solar and wind installations in Spain using microdata and local projection methods. Results show significant job creation, varying by phase, plant size, education, and technology, with notable spillovers to economically linked provinces.

Once the favorable seasonality is discounted, employment rose 0.7% quarterly (SWDA), one tenth more than Social Security affiliation. Likewise, hours worked increased by 0.3% SWDA and temporary employment rates (down to 15.3% SWDA) and unemployment rates (down to 10.5% SWDA) dropped.

Green skills account for 4% of employment in Spain between 2015 and 2024, in line with the EU-27 average. However, the profile of workers with green skills varies by skill type. Those with knowledge in renewable energy or environmental policies tend to be younger and more educated.