World
Spain loses over 163,000 jobs in August as unemployment rises
Unemployment in August stands at 2,355,918, with an increase of 44,000 new jobless, but the effect of immigrant regularization mitigates the decline in labor affiliation.
Spain has recorded a loss of 163,840 jobs in August, leading to an increase in unemployment of 44,419 people, reaching a total of 2,355,918 unemployed, the lowest figure since 2007, according to El Mundo. These data reflect a traditionally bad month for the labor market, marked by the end of the high tourism season, which generally results in a decline in labor affiliation.
Changes in employment in August are influenced by the cancellation of contracts in the education sector, as summer comes to an end and those contracts are renewed with the return to classes in September. This has been noted by ABC, which suggests that these factors have contributed to the loss of 162,840 jobs during the month.
Despite the drop in affiliation, the mass regularization of immigrants has resulted in a balance of 337,917 new affiliates, which has mitigated the negative impact on employment, according to a report from 20minutos. This process has altered labor statistics, incorporating workers who were previously undeclared.
Yolanda Díaz, Minister of Labor, indicated that without this regularization, the impact on the labor market would have been even harsher. ABC echoes her statements, highlighting that the legalization of immigrants has distorted employment data by including new affiliates and those who have registered as unemployed after regularizing their status.
The labor situation in August is exacerbated each year by the conclusion of numerous contracts related to tourism and education, reflecting a cooling of the labor market during this month. Despite the job losses, the contrast with employment figures from previous years shows that the decrease has been more moderate than in the last five years, according to 20minutos.
This complex employment landscape continues to be analyzed by various experts and media, observing how the dynamics of the labor market may be changing due to both seasonal and structural factors. The full consequences of these trends will continue to be evaluated in the coming months.