Catalunya ended September with more workers than any other region in Spain. The region now has 3.86 million people in work, creating 14,869 jobs in September alone, whilst unemployment fell by 5,293 people.
However, Barcelona province drove nearly all of Catalunya’s job growth. The province added 41,018 workers in September, a 1.43% increase that brought total employment to 2.9 million people.
Meanwhile, the other provinces saw job losses. Girona lost 14,357 positions, Lleida shed 5,169 jobs, and Tarragona dropped 6,622 workers compared to August.
The services sector led the unemployment reduction, with 5,387 fewer jobseekers as the summer season ended and teachers returned to work. Construction and industry also saw drops of 542 and 363 unemployed people respectively.
Catalunya’s unemployment rate now stands at 322,072 people, the best September figure since 2007. This represents a 2.9% drop compared to last year.
Right now, Catalunya employs 3.86 million workers, edging ahead of Madrid’s 3.77 million, though Madrid created more jobs in September with 45,905 new positions. Still, Catalunya remains Spain’s employment leader in absolute numbers.
During September, companies signed 237,111 contracts, with 109,047 being permanent positions. This marks a 48% increase compared to August, and an 8.69% rise year-on-year.
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