News

Spain unemployment falls below 2.3 million for first time in 17 years

Published

10 hours ago

July 2, 2026

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Spain’s labour market has reached a landmark moment, with unemployment falling below 2.3 million for the first time since January 2008, marking the country’s strongest jobs market in more than 17 years.

The latest figures released by Spain’s Ministry of Labour show the number of registered unemployed fell by 48,920 people during June, leaving a total of around 2.28 million people out of work. At the same time, Social Security registrations rose by more than 76,000, taking total employment to a record high of over 21.9 million workers.

The figures suggest Spain continues to outperform expectations despite global economic uncertainty, with employers continuing to recruit ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The services sector, fuelled by tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses, once again led the way, accounting for the largest share of new jobs. Hotels, restaurants, bars and travel companies have all increased hiring as millions of holidaymakers head to Spain’s beaches and cities.

Tourism continues to drive growth

For destinations including Mallorca, the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands, the figures underline the importance of tourism to local economies.

Every summer, thousands of seasonal jobs are created across hotels, restaurants, airports, transport services and attractions. This year’s strong visitor numbers have helped businesses recruit staff earlier and in greater numbers, contributing to another fall in unemployment.

Youth unemployment also continued to improve, reaching its lowest level on record, while the number of unemployed women dropped to its lowest point since 2008. The improvements were seen across most regions of Spain, with Andalusia, Madrid and Castilla y León among those recording some of the biggest monthly declines.

Challenges still remain

Despite the positive news, economists caution that Spain still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the European Union, particularly among younger workers.

Many of the new jobs created over the summer are seasonal, meaning employment levels typically fall once the busy tourism period comes to an end. Businesses are also facing rising labour costs and wider economic uncertainty, which could slow hiring later in the year.

Nevertheless, the latest figures represent another significant step in Spain’s economic recovery. With record employment, falling unemployment and a busy tourist season in full swing, the country’s labour market is showing resilience and providing a welcome boost for workers, businesses and holiday destinations alike.

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Fabian Poletti

World Cup Fever Hits Spain – But Can You Still Play Football With Knee Osteoarthritis?

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Staff Reporter

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Magaluf

Magaluf to gain 122 new parking spaces as Calvià pushes ahead with transformation

Published

8 hours ago

July 2, 2026

admin

Drivers visiting Magaluf could soon find it easier to park, with Calvià Town Hall confirming plans to create 122 new public parking spaces in the heart of the resort after completing the purchase of a long-neglected site in Torrenova.

The council has acquired 11 former commercial properties that have stood empty for years. Once home to restaurants and leisure businesses, the buildings have fallen into disrepair and will now be demolished as part of a wider regeneration project designed to improve one of Mallorca’s busiest tourist destinations.

Parking and sustainable transport

The redevelopment will create 122 parking spaces for cars alongside 72 dedicated spaces for electric bicycles, reflecting the municipality’s aim of balancing improved access for motorists with more sustainable transport options.

The project has secured more than €6 million in funding from the Balearic Government through the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), covering the purchase of the land, demolition work and construction of the new public space.

Plans also include environmentally friendly features such as shaded areas, native planting and a photovoltaic canopy capable of generating renewable energy, helping to reduce the site’s environmental impact while making it more comfortable during the summer months.

Part of a wider regeneration strategy

According to Calvià Town Hall, the scheme forms part of an ongoing effort to reclaim outdated urban areas and reduce congestion in the municipality’s busiest tourist zones.

The demolition will be the third carried out during the current council term, following similar projects at the former Hotel Teix in Magaluf and the Hostal Colón in Peguera. Local leaders say these initiatives are intended to replace obsolete infrastructure with public spaces that better serve residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual said the project demonstrates how tourism tax revenue can be reinvested directly into local communities, creating practical improvements while helping modernise Calvià’s most visited resorts.

The additional parking is also expected to ease pressure during the peak holiday season, when finding a space in Magaluf can be particularly challenging. Situated close to the resort’s beaches and coastal access points, the new facility aims to improve both traffic flow and accessibility while supporting the area’s continuing transformation from ageing tourist infrastructure to a more modern and sustainable destination.