Spain's employment figures face scrutiny amid labour reform debate

The Spanish government has highlighted the milestone of reaching 22 million registered employees, presenting it as evidence of economic success. Critics point out that the statistic measures affiliations, not distinct workers; many individuals hold multiple registrations, inflating the count. In 2025, 886 800 people were recorded as holding more than one job. When measured by hours worked, employment growth from 2018 to 2025 is essentially flat.

The Labour Ministry attributes the rise to the 2022 labour reform, while condemning parties that opposed it. Analysts note that the current reform does not alter the core provisions established by the 2010 Zapatero and 2012 PP reforms, which reduced severance costs and broadened criteria for collective dismissals. Both earlier reforms were driven by EU requirements. Consequently, the 2022 changes are seen as superficial, leaving fundamental issues of dismissal compensation and procedural safeguards unchanged.