Spain’s health sector labour market landscape grew year-on-year by 4% in March 2024, with nurses and doctors becoming two of the most in-demand positions for all of 2024 in Spain, according to data from the Ministry of Employment and Randstad Spain.

When compared to the prior month, the number of health sector workers grew by 11,000, led by health activities, with more than 4,000, compared to 3,821 in social services, 2,835 in residential care and 366 in pharma.

According to Randstad, there are also ‘great challenges’ facing the sector in Spain. It pointed to a demographic change generating a boom in demand for already existing occupations, in sectors such as healthcare or personal care.

Glòria Jam, senior team leader of the healthcare sector at Randstad Spain, said, “In an environment of talent shortage, the challenge for 2024 continues to be generational replacement in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, demographic change increases the demand for health professionals such as nurses and doctors. On the other hand, the commitment to training and continuous development programs can meet the demand for digital skills and specialisation in disruptive technologies.”

Randstad Spain also pointed to how the pharmaceutical industry also faces a talent shortage problem, which is also linked to the challenge of generational replacement.