Employment in Catalonia reached a new record high in May, with 3.97 million Social Security affiliates. This figure represents a 1.28% increase from April and marks the second consecutive month surpassing the historic maximum of active employees. Compared to May of the previous year, 89,882 jobs have been created, an interannual increase of 2.32%.

On the other hand, unemployment in Catalonia has seen a decrease of 6,900 people (-2.19%) compared to the previous month. The total number of unemployed registered at SEPE offices in Catalonia stands at 307,627, the lowest figure since May 2008. This reduction is the third consecutive one, and in interannual comparison (May 2023), the decrease is 3.72%, with 11,892 fewer unemployed individuals.

By provinces, Lleida led the growth in affiliations in relative terms, with an increase of 3.56% compared to April. Girona recorded an increase of 2.15%, and Tarragona 1.89%. In Barcelona, the rise was more moderate, at 0.92%.

At the national level, data also reflect a positive trend. In May, an average of 231,975 employed individuals were added, surpassing 22.3 million affiliates for the first time, the best May figure since records began. The interannual increase in Spain is 553,431 employed (+2.54%). Unemployment at the national level also decreased (-1.54%), standing at 2.32 million registered people, the lowest level for a May since 2007.

Catalonia was the territory that generated the most jobs in absolute terms during May compared to April, although in relative terms it ranked fifth. Likewise, it was the second community that most reduced unemployment in absolute figures compared to the previous month.