Employment in Aragón has shown signs of growth, yet the region faces significant challenges, particularly regarding purchasing power and access to housing. Data from October reveals an increase in both unemployment and Social Security registrations.
Employment data for October
In October, there was a decline in affiliations due to the end of the agricultural season, while registrations in the general regime rose, largely attributed to the start of the school year and activities in the education sector. Huesca province experienced the highest increase in unemployment both for the month and the year, being the only area to see a decrease in affiliations, primarily related to tourism sectors.
The number of registered unemployed individuals with no previous employment continues to rise, showing an annual increase of nearly 35%. UGT Aragón emphasises the need for ongoing reforms in the labour market, including the reduction of the maximum working hours to 37.5 hours and changes to dismissal regulations. Active employment policies targeting vulnerable groups, especially those with no previous employment, are also deemed essential.
Furthermore, UGT Aragón insists on the urgent finalisation of the IV Agreement on Employment and Collective Bargaining, which aims to raise salaries and restore purchasing power, significantly eroded in recent times. Specific measures addressing the housing crisis and the rising cost of living are also necessary. A strike scheduled for 11 November encapsulates these demands and presents an opportunity for them to be addressed. UGT Aragón is urging workers to participate in this mobilisation.
Unemployment figures in Aragón
In October, unemployment in Aragón rose by 1,356 individuals, a 2.69% increase, bringing the total number of unemployed to 51,700. In contrast, national unemployment increased by only 1.81%. The rise in unemployment was more pronounced among those under 25 years old (6.56%) compared to older individuals (+2.25%). All sectors experienced growth in unemployment, particularly the agricultural sector (8.57%) and those with no previous employment (3.80%). Huesca led the increase with a 3.74% rise.
Year-on-year, unemployment in Aragón has increased by 5.99% (2,921 individuals), while nationally, it has decreased by 0.86%.
Social Security affiliations
Currently, there are 655,143 individuals affiliated with the Social Security system in Aragón. In October, there was a 3.57% increase (3,667 new registrations), a figure comparable to the national average of 3.59%. Over the year, there have been 23,261 new affiliations. This growth is primarily seen in the general regime for salaried workers (+7,213), while the agricultural regime lost over 4,193 affiliations. The increase is driven by the education sector (+5,823) and related activities (+1,190), along with hospitality (+624). However, the commerce sector (-1,235) and agriculture have seen declines in affiliations.
In terms of hiring, there was an 11.41% decrease in October compared to September, with permanent contracts representing 34% of total hires. In September, there were 39,207 unemployed individuals receiving some form of benefit, with the average contributory benefit amounting to €1,036.30. The total coverage rate stands at 89.70%.
