Youth Unemployment

Why Spain's unemployment rose above 26% in 2013 with youth unemployment over 50%, and why Spain's labour market has been so prone to high joblessness.

Spain has struggled with unemployment.

Peak

Unemployment peaked around 26% in 2013; youth unemployment topped 50%.

Dual labour market

Permanent workers had strong protections.
Many young people had temporary contracts, the first to be cut in downturns.

Effects

Young people emigrated or lived with parents longer.
The Indignados protests began in 2011.

Improvement

Unemployment fell to around 11% by 2025, still among the EU’s highest.

Informal economy

Some unemployed work informally, so statistics may overstate joblessness.

The temporary contract

A young graduate signs a series of short contracts, never getting a permanent job.

Thinking high unemployment means no one works

Informal work and emigration also play roles.

Key takeaways

Unemployment peaked at about 26% in 2013.
Youth unemployment topped 50%.
A dual labour market hurt youth.
It fell to about 11% by 2025.