Marina Alta unemployment hits lowest November level since 2007

Unemployment in the Marina Alta region has fallen to its lowest level for the month of November since 2007, according to the latest data analysed by the Marina Alta Observatory of CREAMA. The figures reveal an unusually positive performance for a month that traditionally reflects a cooling of the labour market following the end of the tourist season. While employment did ease slightly, with around 150 jobs lost compared with October, the overall picture points to one of the strongest labour market positions seen in almost two decades.

Total social security affiliation stood at 63,573 people, the highest number ever recorded for a November in the region. The monthly decline of 0.23 per cent was notably mild when compared with November 2023, which saw a fall of around 500 affiliations, or 0.81 per cent. It was also well below the average November decline recorded between 2015 and 2019, when employment typically fell by more than 700 workers.

Year-on-year data underline the strength of the recovery. Compared with November 2024, the Marina Alta registered 1,967 more affiliated workers, an increase of 3.19 per cent and an acceleration on the previous year’s interannual growth rate.

The evolution of registered unemployment has been described as exceptional. Unemployment increased by just three people compared with October, a rise of only 0.04 per cent and the smallest November increase on record. By contrast, unemployment rose by 82 people in November last year to 7,612 people, marking the lowest November figure since before the collapse of the property bubble in 2007. On an annual basis, unemployment has fallen by 776 people, a reduction of 9.25 per cent compared with a year ago.

Sectoral data reflect expected seasonal dynamics. Hospitality experienced the sharpest fall in employment, losing 570 affiliates, a decrease of 4.84 per cent. However, other sectors showed clear resilience. Public administration and defence added 103 workers, construction increased by 126 affiliates, representing growth of 1.35 per cent, and the special maritime regime expanded by 3 per cent, equivalent to 48 additional workers.

Looking at unemployment by sector, industry and agriculture contributed most to the slight monthly increase, with rises of nine and six jobseekers respectively. Construction was the only sector to show improvement, reducing unemployment by 13 people.

Importantly, the moderation in employment has not been accompanied by a deterioration in job quality. In November, 64.61 per cent of contracts signed were permanent, totalling 1,694 agreements. This contrasts sharply with the situation prior to the labour reform, when permanent contracts accounted for around 20 per cent of new hires. Temporary employment stood at 35.16 per cent.

Data from Labora also point to continued progress among traditionally vulnerable groups. Female unemployment remains at its lowest level since 2007, with 4,370 women registered as unemployed, although women still represent 57.41 per cent of total jobseekers in the region. Youth unemployment also improved, falling by nine people to 375 registered young jobseekers. This is the best November figure on record and represents just 4.93 per cent of total unemployment.

According to estimates from the Marina Alta Observatory of CREAMA and the PACTE’MA programme, subsidised by Labora and the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, the Marina Alta’s unemployment rate now stands at 10.69 per cent. This is significantly lower than in November 2024, when it stood at 11.98 per cent, and below the rates recorded both in the province of Alicante and across the Comunidad Valenciana.