The Active Population Survey (EPA) for the second quarter of 2026 shows an increase in unemployment in Andalusia of 5,400 people, reaching 627,100 unemployed, despite employment hitting a historic high of 3,681,200 jobs.
The Andalusian labour market has recorded a contradictory evolution between April and June 2026. According to data from the Active Population Survey (EPA) published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the number of unemployed increased by 5,400 compared to the previous quarter, a rise of 0.9%, bringing the total to 627,100 unemployed. This figure raises the unemployment rate to 14.56%.
However, the same period also witnessed a historic growth in employment. Andalusia added 63,300 new jobs, reaching 3,681,200 employed, the highest level ever recorded in a second quarter since data has been available. The active population also grew significantly: 68,700 more people, totalling 4,308,300.
In year-on-year comparison, unemployment increased by 8,500 people, while employment grew by 134,500 jobs and the active population rose by 143,000 people. These figures reflect a dual reality: more people working than ever, but also more people seeking employment unsuccessfully.
Gender analysis shows opposing trends. Female unemployment decreased by 11,800 women during the quarter, a 3.5% drop, while male unemployment increased by 17,200 people, a 6% rise. At the end of the period, Andalusia had 324,800 women unemployed (female unemployment rate of 16.38%) and 302,300 men unemployed (rate of 13%).
Among those under 25, the situation is particularly concerning: youth unemployment grew by 2,800 people, bringing the rate to 30.91%. This means that nearly one in three young Andalusians seeking work cannot find it.
Regarding job quality, the EPA data reflects advances in job stability. The number of salaried employees with permanent contracts increased by 43,800 people, while temporary contracts grew by 23,500. Of the total 3,123,300 salaried employees in Andalusia, 2,526,500 had a permanent contract, representing 80.89% of the total, compared to 596,800 with temporary contracts (19.11%).
The private sector was the main driver of job creation, with 66,900 new jobs, reaching 3,021,000 employed. In contrast, the public sector lost 3,500 jobs, leaving 660,300 workers. Full-time employment increased by 39,700 people, while part-time work rose by 23,600.
By sector of activity, unemployment only decreased in services, with 26,900 fewer unemployed. Conversely, it increased among those seeking their first job or who had been out of work for over a year, as well as in agriculture, construction, and industry.
On a national level, Andalusia stood out for having the highest absolute increase in unemployment during the quarter, with those 5,400 new unemployed, followed by Murcia and Asturias. On the opposite side, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community recorded the largest decreases in unemployment. In terms of job creation, all communities except the Canary Islands and Galicia saw an increase in employment. Catalonia led with 130,800 new employed, followed by the Balearic Islands (108,000) and Andalusia (63,300).
Nationally, the EPA data was more positive. Unemployment fell by 213,300 people during the second quarter, a decrease of 7.87%, bringing the unemployment rate to 9.87%, the lowest since 2008. Employment reached a historic high of 22,779,000 workers, with an increase of 486,000 jobs. The Ministry of Economy highlighted that, in seasonally adjusted terms, employment has maintained an annual creation rate of over half a million jobs for the sixth consecutive quarter, driven by the private sector and permanent hiring.
For Andalusian workers, these figures represent a bittersweet reality: there has never been so many people employed, but at the same time, unemployment fails to decrease due to the strong increase in the active population. The unemployment rate of 14.56% remains high compared to the national average, and youth unemployment, at 30.91%, is a persistent challenge. Future developments will depend on the ability of the Andalusian economy to continue generating jobs at a pace that absorbs the growing supply of workers.
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