The latest labour market report for canarias reveals a historic high in employment, with a total of 974,246 registered with the Social Security system. This marks a continuation of the upward trend in job creation seen in recent years. Concurrently, unemployment has decreased by 2.9% year-on-year, positioning canarias among the two autonomous communities, alongside la rioja, that are still reducing their unemployment figures.
Currently, the number of unemployed individuals in canarias stands at 140,303, reflecting one of the sharpest declines in the last decade. Additionally, the number of registered workers has increased by 10,454 compared to the previous month, representing a monthly growth rate of 1.1%, significantly higher than the national average of 0.4%.
Impact of extraordinary regularisation
A key factor contributing to these results is the extraordinary regularisation process, which has allowed 16,877 individuals to transition into the formal labour market. This process helps to incorporate jobs that were previously part of the informal economy, improving the accuracy of labour statistics and providing a clearer picture of canarias' economic reality. Furthermore, it enhances labour rights and social protections for those who gain regular status, enabling them to contribute to the Social Security system and access the protections afforded by current legislation.
Back to school boosts job creation
The start of the school year has significantly influenced the monthly increase in employment, with educational activities and associated services, including school transport, accounting for approximately 40% of new jobs created during this period. While this growth positively affects overall employment figures, it also highlights the need for a more stable economic structure less reliant on seasonal fluctuations.
Emerging sectors show promise
In terms of economic diversification, sectors linked to the circular economy, such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and decontamination, have seen an accumulated growth of 6.2% since January. The audiovisual sector, encompassing editing, broadcasting, and content production and distribution, has also grown by 7.1% during the same period. These sectors demonstrate a capacity to generate jobs at a rate surpassing much of the wider economy and present opportunities for a more diversified production model.
Gender disparities persist
Women have played a significant role in the reduction of unemployment, with over 3,000 fewer women unemployed, a decrease greater than that observed among men. The number of unemployed women is now around 80,000, a level not seen since April 2007. While this trend indicates a positive shift in women's labour conditions, it does not mask the structural inequalities that remain, including higher unemployment rates and precarious employment situations.
Regional variations in unemployment
The western islands, particularly non-capital islands, have experienced the most significant reductions in unemployment, with la gomera seeing a 29% decrease and el hierro a 15% drop. This trend may be linked to the prominence of educational activities and a lower direct dependence on tourism in certain labour markets. However, disparities persist, as some municipalities, such as betancuria and el tanque, have recorded increases in unemployment.
Despite these challenges, the current figures confirm a positive trajectory for employment in canarias, with record affiliation numbers and a significant drop in unemployment. Reforms driven by social dialogue, including labour reform and increases in the minimum wage, have contributed to a more stable labour market and a job creation dynamic that outpaces the national average. However, it is crucial that growth in employment quality, salary improvements, and the reduction of inequalities remain key objectives.
Housing challenges affect job mobility
The rising cost of housing poses a significant barrier to the effective improvement of living standards for working families in canarias. The creation of jobs and positive business outcomes lose some of their social impact when wages do not keep pace with the cost of living. The current calls for teachers and auxiliary services in non-capital islands are particularly affected by housing affordability issues, which hinder job mobility and limit the provision of educational services.
In light of these challenges, there is a strong call for the government of canarias to prioritise housing policies, expanding the availability of affordable housing and enhancing public intervention to ensure that economic growth translates into better living conditions for all residents.
