Pluriemployment and income inequality rise in Spain and Argentina

In Spain, the number of workers holding multiple jobs has reached a historical high. According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), more than 650,000 people are currently engaged in pluriemployment, representing a 34% increase since 2019. While Social Security affiliations have reached a record 22 million due to labor market dynamism and immigration regularization, workers are facing stagnant or declining purchasing power.

Economists suggest that demographic shifts and immigration play a role, as multiple jobs are common in many countries of origin. However, social experts note that the profile of these workers is heterogeneous, with young people and women frequently relying on multiple occupations to meet basic living needs.

In Argentina, the labor market is experiencing significant inequality and a lack of social protections. Approximately 6 million workers, or 45.6% of the employed population, lack access to Social Security. The income gap between protected workers and those without benefits has widened, reaching 61% for the self-employed, 50.7% for public employees, and 48.7% for private sector employees.

Pluriemployment has also risen in Argentina, reaching 11.5% of the employed population in 2025. Reports indicate that working more hours is not translating into improved income or economic security for many households.