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The latest Social Security enrollment figures for March come as welcome news for the Spanish economy, yet they are also a timely reminder that job creation alone is not enough in itself: we also need it to be more productive.

Social Security affiliation increased by 100,300 people and unemployment fell by 6,000. After seasonal adjustment, it is estimated that the number of contributors grew by 59,000 and the number of unemployed fell by 23,000. The percentage of affiliates with temporary contracts fell.

The Spanish economy presents a strange case in which growth and stagnation coexist. This is due to the divergence in the trends shown by services on the one hand, and industry, agriculture and residential construction on the other.

Seasonality worked against Social Security affiliation (-185,400) and unemployment (24,800) in August. Excluding its impact, the number of affiliates increased by 20,000, 3,500 more than in July, and the number of unemployed decreased by 7,000 after growing the previous month. Temporary employment ratio fell to 56% SWDA.

Social Security affiliation rose strongly in March (206,400 persons), temporary employment fell (to 53.2%) and so did unemployment (-48,800 persons). After adjusting for seasonality, in 1Q23, Social Security affiliation grew (1.0% t/t SWDA), while hiring and registered unemployment fell (-4,6% and -2.7%, respectively).

Social Security affiliation rose strongly in February (88,900) and unemployment practically stagnated (2,600). After adjusting for seasonality, it is estimated that both the number of Social Security affiliation (83,000) and temporary employment rate grew (to 55.5%), while unemployment fell (-29,000).

The increase in temporary employment boosted Social Security enrollment (213,600 people) last month, while unemployment fell (-99,500 people). Seasonally adjusted, this pattern was maintained. Employment grew (70,000 people) and the temporary employment ratio (up to 63%) while unemployment fell (-55,000).