Andalusia The Spanish economy closes 2024 leading the decline in unemployment in Spain with a reduction of 60.101 unemployed in the last twelve months, which represents the third largest annual decrease recorded in the entire statistical series. This result places the total number of unemployed in the region at 634.830 people, the lowest number at the end of a year since 2007.
During the month of December, unemployment fell by 11.474 people, which is -1,78% compared to the previous month. This rate of decline has been significantly higher than the national average, since Andalusia contributed 39% of the reduction in unemployment throughout the country during the last month of the year. At national level, unemployment fell by 25.300 people (-0,98%), placing the total number of unemployed at 2.560.718.
A year of leadership in reducing unemployment
In year-on-year terms, Andalusia has led the decline in unemployment in absolute terms in 2024, accounting for more than one in three people who have left the unemployment lists in Spain (40,8%). In total, the country reduced unemployment by 146.738 people (-5,42%) during the year.
This decrease in the region was mainly driven by the reduction in unemployment in the services sector, which accounted for 65% of the number of people who were no longer unemployed, with 39.321 fewer unemployed. Significant decreases were also recorded in agriculture (-7.849), construction (-5.290) and industry (-3.240), as well as in the group with no previous employment (-4.401). In December, the services sector led the decrease in unemployment with 9.438 fewer unemployed (-2,13%), followed by agriculture, which recorded a decrease of 1.190 unemployed (-3,32%). These two sectors were responsible for 80% of the monthly decrease. Unemployment also decreased among the group with no previous employment (-2.510, -3,29%).
By ages, The group of people under 25 years of age has experienced the largest percentage drop in unemploymentIn December, youth unemployment fell by -5,87% (3.265 people), while in year-on-year terms the decrease was -9,79%. This percentage is higher than that recorded in the 25 to 44 age groups (-12,01%) and in those over 44 years of age (-6,17%).
By sex, Unemployment fell more among women (-2,47%) than among men (-0,65%) during December. However, in the interannual balance, the decrease has been more significant among the male group (-9,25%) compared to the female group (-8,26%). Unemployment fell in December in all Andalusian provinces, with Jaén (-4,86%), Córdoba (-3,02%), Granada (-2,76%) and Almería (-2,71%) standing out as the provinces with the greatest percentage decreases. Throughout the year, reductions were also recorded in all provinces, with Huelva leading the interannual decrease with -12,79%, followed by Jaén (-11,40%) and Almería (-9,80%).
Employment growth and social security affiliation
In parallel with the decline in unemployment, Andalusia has recorded a notable growth in job creation. Social Security membership increased by 34.348 people in December (+1%), bringing the total number of members in the region to 3.470.447, a historic record. In the last twelve months, the region has added 93.770 new contributors (+2,78%), consolidating its position as the second autonomous community with the greatest increase in membership after Madrid.
It seemed impossible that #Andalusia led the decline in unemployment and grew steadily above Spain and the EU. Today it is a reality.
80% of new companies are Andalusian.
We are turning our land into a safe value. #AndalusiaWorks#ForumABC pic.twitter.com/7Joovg94Xw
—Juanma Moreno (@JuanMa_Moreno) January 29, 2025
At the national level, membership grew by 35.500 people (+0,17%) in December, reaching a total of 21.337.962 contributors. In annual terms, Spain registered an increase of 501.952 members (+2,41%). Regarding the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, Andalusia has registered a growth of 10.596 new self-employed workers in 2024, an increase of 1,8%. The region has contributed almost one in four new self-employed workers in the country (22,9%) and is the second autonomous community with the highest growth after Madrid.
An effective employment policy
The Andalusian Government attributes these results to the application of Active employment policies that have made it possible to boost the labour market in the community. Special mention should be made of the Youth Employment Plan, promoted by the Andalusian Government, which has favoured the labour insertion of those under 25 years of age and has contributed significantly to the positive data recorded in this group.
On the other hand, the Strategy to Address the Demographic Challenge and the support for key sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry have been decisive in promoting job creation and reducing unemployment. With these data, Andalusia consolidates its position as a key driver of employment recovery in SpainThe region has demonstrated its ability to generate job opportunities and attract new workers, which reinforces its role as a benchmark in the economic and labour sphere at a national level. The commitment to training, investment in strategic sectors and the continuous improvement of public services will continue to be essential to maintain this positive trend in 2025.
