Spain’s labour market figures for March 2015 are the best for that month since 2001. With employment 3% higher compared with March 2014, according to the latest figures from Asempleo, the country’s largest association of private employment agencies.

Andreu Crunañas, President of Asempleo, commented: “Spain finds itself at a turning point. Its economy as begun to show signs of moderate growth after a period of recession. The fall in unemployment, and the creation of employment, show the need for a model that will ensure long-term prosperity. For this, it will be crucial to rise to the challenges; a highly qualified labour force is required, able to adapt to change and flexible.”

Recruitment increased by 18.5% in March 2015, compared with last year. This was driven by both permanent and temporary jobs, which were up by 27.1% and 17.6% respectively. The strongest rise, however, was in part-time work (25.7%)

Asempleo’s labour force survey (EPA) has forecast that employment rose by 522,000 in Q1 2015, compared with the same quarter last year.

As a result, unemployment is expected to decrease by two percentage points (pp) to take the unemployment rate in Spain to 23.9%. Although down compared with last year, quarter-on-quarter unemployment increased by 0.2pp when compared with Q4 2014; however, seasonal employment for Christmas and New Year will have impacted the unemployment rate.

Asempleo acknowledged that the Easter week, which was relatively early this year, could have skewed the data somewhat; therefore data for April will allow for a more complete analysis of any ongoing trends in the labour market.  

To read the full report (English or Spanish) click here.