Spain Jobless Rate Falls Below 10%

Spain’s unemployment rate fell to 9.93% in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 10.45% in the third quarter, marking the lowest level in 18 years and coming in below market expectations of 10.6%. It was the first time the jobless rate dropped below 10% since the first quarter of 2008. Employment rose by 76,200 to a record 22.46 million, while the number of unemployed declined by 136,100 to 2.48 million. The total labor force decreased by 59,900 to 24.94 million. The private sector accounted for 92% of the jobs created in 2025, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said, adding that the figures point to a stronger and more stable labor market with higher-quality employment supporting continued welfare growth.