Catalonia sees record high jobs figures for September

Catalonia saw 3.78 million active workers registered with social security during September, the highest figure in history for any month of September.

After August saw a drop in employment, the end of holidays and return of the school year saw increased employment again, delivering the fourth highest figure on record.

May, June, and July 2024 were the only months that exceeded September's figures, when the barrier of 3.8 million employees was exceeded.

The Catalan labor market added 15,468 more jobs compared to August.

Taking a look at the yearly comparison, social security gained 84,400 members in Catalonia, an increase of 2.27%.

Unemployment has fallen by 4,060, an improvement of 1.2% after two months on the rise.

The total number of unemployed was 331,930, 1% less than a year ago, and the lowest value seen in a month of September since 2007, when there were 258,234 people out of work.

The seasonal impact is noticeable in the analysis by sector. The service sector, which includes jobs related to education, has seen a decrease of 4,033 people registered as unemployed.

Construction has recorded a decrease of 527 unemployed and industry of 455. The only sector with a slight increase in unemployment is agriculture (+169).

Strength of economy

The labor and business secretary, Paco Ramos, confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday that unemployment figures in September show the "strength of the economy and the dynamism of work. "

Ramos highlighted the "new employment record" for a month of September. Wednesday's was his first appearance to analyze the figures after the cabinet changed in August. Their goal, Ramos said, is to "reduce unemployment and create new quality work opportunities."

The number that "does not fit this good news" is the increase in youth unemployment, which has risen to 21,152, an increase of 8.2% compared to the previous month.