The latest data from the Active Population Survey for the third quarter of the year confirms the strength of Catalonia's labour market. The region has reached a historic employment record, with 3,999,900 people working, just shy of surpassing the four million mark for the first time.
Employment continues to grow both quarterly and annually. Compared to the previous quarter, there are 2,100 more people employed (+0.1%), while the year-on-year increase stands at 49,300 people (+1.25%). This demonstrates the Catalan economy's ability to generate jobs sustainably, despite a backdrop of international economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, the quarterly employment growth has a significant qualitative component: 87.6% of those employed work full-time, which is an increase of 71,300 people compared to the previous quarter (+2.1%) and 60,900 more than a year ago (+1.8%). In contrast, part-time employment, which accounts for only 12.4% of the workforce, has decreased both quarterly and annually.
The youth unemployment rate stands at 17.4%, nearly six points below the national average of 23.3%, marking one of the best records in Spain. This positive employment trend is complemented by another record: the active population reached 4,361,700 in the third quarter. This figure is particularly significant as it indicates that Catalonia is not only creating jobs but also attracting and incorporating more individuals into the economic activity.
The increase in the active population has been 20,900 more than the previous quarter (+0.5%) and 59,000 more than a year ago (+1.4%). Regarding unemployment, despite the rise recorded this quarter, the unemployment rate remains at 8.3%, the second-lowest for a third quarter since 2007, and two points below the national rate of 10.2%. This figure reflects that the Catalan labour market maintains historically low unemployment levels.
The increase in unemployment is primarily attributed to the rise in the active population. Specifically, during the third quarter, unemployment reached 361,800 people, which is 18,900 more than the previous quarter (+5.5%) and 9,700 more than a year ago (+2.76%).
Paco Ramos, the Secretary of Labour for the Generalitat, described the EPA data as “very positive, as they show more activity, more employment, and an unemployment rate that remains at historically low levels. Catalonia continues to expand its labour base and consolidate a dynamic and robust labour market, capable of generating opportunities and incorporating new workers.”
Ramos also emphasised that “economic and employment policies are working, but we are not complacent and will continue to work while there are people in unemployment.”
