The Ministry of Labor and Social Economy has published data that shows a reduction in unemployment in February in Spain, with a decrease in 5,994 people registered in employment offices. This decrease, which represents 0.23%, has been mainly led by the services sector, which has been responsible for much of the fall of unemployment.
After this decrease, The total number of unemployed has been placed at 2,593,449 people, reaching the lowest figure in a month of February in the last 17 years. Although the reduction of unemployment in February this year is less than in previous years, it is important to highlight that it contrasts with the average increase of 30,845 people registered for this month in the period of 2008-2024.
In unstacted terms, the registered strike has also experienced a significant reduction, with 10,287 people less. In the last year, unemployment has accumulated a decrease of 166,959 people, which represents almost 6.05% less, with a decrease in unemployment both in men and women.
By sectors, unemployment has descended mainly in services, construction and industry, while it has increased in agriculture and between the unusual employment collective. It is relevant to mention that unemployment has decreased in both sexes, the reduction in men being greater than in women.
As for the distribution by gender, at the end of February 2025, the total number of unemployed women has been located at 1,562,954, reaching its lowest level since 2008, while that of unemployed men has been 1,030,495.
Unemployment among young people under 25 has experienced an increase, while in the group of people with 25 years and more it has decreased. As for the Autonomous Communities, unemployment has descended into nine of them, being the greatest declines in the Valencian Community, Catalonia and Andalusia.
In February 2025, 1,098,491 contracts have been registered, 43.85% of them being indefinite contracts, which represents a 7.98% decrease compared to the previous year. Within indefinite contracts, there is a reduction in full -time contracts and an increase in part -time contracts.
Regarding unemployment benefits, spending in January 2025 has increased 6.5% compared to the same month of 2024, reaching 2,215.27 million euros. The coverage rate against unemployment has been placed at 74.11%, showing a slight increase with respect to the previous year.