Spain’s Q2 2026 job boom pushes unemployment below 10% amid regional disparities

Spain’s labour market recorded a historic surge in the second quarter of 2026. The National Statistics Institute (INE) reported 22.779 million people employed, a gain of 486 000 jobs, while the unemployment rate fell to 9.87 %, the first dip below the 10 % threshold since 2008. Most new jobs were created in the services sector, driven by a strong tourism season, with construction and industry also adding positions; agriculture was the only sector to lose workers.

Regional data show contrasting trends. Catalonia achieved a record 3.997 million employed, cutting its unemployment to 7.90 % and surpassing four million active workers. Alicante reached a new employment high of 922 900, thanks to tourism‑driven service growth. Granada, however, posted Spain’s highest provincial unemployment rate at 17.53 % with 78 800 jobless, reflecting sectoral losses in agriculture, construction and industry. Málaga led Andalucía’s labour activity with a 13.57 % unemployment rate, still above the national average but better than the regional norm. Girona’s unemployment fell to 7.71 % and the region added 33 600 active workers, while Galicia saw a 92 600‑person drop in joblessness, a 21.27 % reduction.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo highlighted that the figures bring the country within reach of its target of 23 million employed by the end of 2026, provided the current hiring pace continues.