In Costera, the number of unemployed individuals decreased by 26, bringing the total to 3,928 by the end of March. This monthly drop of 0.66% was driven exclusively by women, with 35 fewer unemployed, while male unemployment increased by 9. The industrial sector was the main engine of employment, removing 13 individuals from unemployment lists, followed by construction with 4 fewer unemployed. Additionally, 19 people found their first job. Over the past year, Costera has reduced its unemployment by 257 people compared to April 2025, a decrease of 6.14%.
Vall d'Albaida also experienced an improvement, with 61 fewer unemployed in March 2026, bringing the figure to 4,416. In this region, the reduction was balanced between genders, with 31 men and 30 women finding work. The services sector led job creation with 39 fewer unemployed, although the industry saw a slight increase of 3 unemployed individuals. Annually, Vall d'Albaida has seen a drop of 329 unemployed since March 2025, a 6.93% decrease.
In Canal de Navarrés, unemployment fell by 9 people, to 787. The agricultural and services sectors contributed to this reduction, with 2 and 8 fewer unemployed respectively, while the industry added one more unemployed person and construction remained stable. Over the last year, the region has recorded an impressive 12.36% drop in unemployment.
Despite the overall positive trend, some localities experienced a slight increase. Xàtiva and Ontinyent saw an increase of 7 and 8 unemployed individuals respectively. Figures also rose in Benigànim (8 more) and Navarrés (2 more). In contrast, l'Olleria recorded 32 fewer unemployed, Canals 20 fewer, Bocairent 12 fewer, Enguera 13 fewer, and Albaida 8 fewer.
Regarding hiring, Costera formalized 1,108 contracts in March, a 6.33% increase compared to the same month in 2025. 48.19% of contracts were for women and 51.81% for men. Indefinite contracts accounted for 44.40% (492 contracts) and temporary contracts for 52.62% (583 contracts). Full-time contracts were 57.67% and part-time contracts were 42.33%.
Vall d'Albaida registered 1,912 contracts, a 13.95% increase compared to 2025. 44.40% were for women and 55.60% for men. Indefinite contracts were 48.33% (924 contracts) and temporary contracts were 48.90% (935 contracts). Full-time contracts totaled 55.86% and part-time contracts 44.14%. In Canal de Navarrés, 531 contracts were registered, 145 fewer than in March 2025, a 21.45% decrease. 43.69% of contracts were for women and 56.31% for men, with 103 indefinite and 428 temporary contracts.
“"These figures reinforce the positive trend of recent years and demonstrate that improving labor rights not only enhances the quality of life for workers but also boosts the results of the economy as a whole."
However, Gómez emphasized that
“"significant challenges persist in the labor market, especially concerning the living conditions and well-being of workers."
The UGT-PV leader highlighted the need for more effective active employment policies, with personalized guidance and increased resources to eradicate long-term unemployment. He also advocated for reducing working hours without salary loss and for fairer wages, as pillars to improve job quality and productivity. According to the union, the commitment to permanent contracts, the recovery of labor rights, and the increase in the minimum interprofessional wage have placed the Spanish economy on a path of sustained growth, with record employment figures and minimal unemployment.
