Delivery workers have become Barcelona’s fastest-growing employment sector, according to the latest economic analysis from the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and Provincial Council.
The province now boasts over 2.6 million employed people, representing the highest employment figure ever recorded in the region.
This remarkable growth demonstrates the labour market’s resilience, driven primarily by information technology services and, significantly, by postal and courier activities.
Delivery Sector Transformation Drives Employment
Since January 2024, delivery workers have accounted for 11.3% of all new employment in the Barcelona area, surpassing even the technology sector’s 10.5% contribution.
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Furthermore, this surge in delivery employment coincides with broader economic shifts across the region. The growth pattern reflects both changing consumer habits and regulatory developments affecting gig economy workers.
According to the Local Economic Report of Barcelona Province 2025, the delivery sector’s expansion may be partly attributed to the regularisation of workers following Spanish government legislation aimed at eliminating false self-employment in companies like Glovo and Uber. Meanwhile, the administrative office activities sector suffered the largest job losses, with 3,273 positions eliminated.
Carmen Poveda, economic analysis director at the Barcelona Chamber, highlighted the long-term evolution of the ICT sector, which now employs 130,485 people – nearly double the 2012 figure. However, she also noted concerning trends in employment quality, particularly regarding female workers who face greater exposure to lower wages, part-time contracts and temporary positions compared to their male counterparts.
Demographic Shapes Barcelona’s Labour Landscape
The employment surge reveals significant demographic patterns, with nearly half of all new workers being either foreign nationals or people over 55 years old. This development indicates an ageing workforce that mirrors broader population trends. Poveda explained that demographic pyramid changes play a crucial role, with the 55-plus age bracket expanding while the 30-45 segment narrows.
Tourism infrastructure has also seen substantial growth, with establishments increasing by 18.3% and available beds rising by 9.6% in 2014. Consequently, this expansion significantly outpaces demand growth of just 2.6% in traveller numbers and 4.9% in overnight stays. The employment landscape continues evolving as neighbouring areas like L’Hospitalet experience their own employment booms.
Regarding artificial intelligence’s impact, Poveda suggested that AI implementation may be negatively affecting job creation in certain sectors, particularly among younger workers whose positions are more easily automated. Senior roles appear less affected by this technological shift, though comprehensive data analysis remains necessary to fully understand these dynamics.
Delivery workers now represent Barcelona’s employment success story, driving unprecedented job growth while raising important questions about work quality, demographic changes and technological disruption in the local economy.
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