Catalina Cabrer highlights that the Balearic labour market reaches historic figures and anticipates peak season employment levels by two months
The regional secretary emphasises the stability of the Balearic labour market, capable of generating employment even in winter months.
The Balearic Islands continue to lead Spain in both job creation and unemployment reduction, further consolidating their leadership in the national labour market.
The region also strengthens job quality, with almost 80% of employment contracts being permanent, compared to the national average of 44.5%.
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Balearic Islands Record 587,353 Social Security Affiliations in April
Employment and Affiliations
According to April’s social security data, the Balearic Islands recorded 587,353 people affiliated, representing an increase of 18,027 people compared to April 2024 (+3.2%). Nationally, employment grew by an average of 2.3%.
Month-on-month, the Balearic Islands rank first among autonomous communities with a sharp 12.0% increase in affiliations. From March to April, 62,884 new affiliations were registered. In comparison, Andalusia saw a 1.6% increase, and nationwide the figure rose by 1.1%.
Self-Employment
In April, the Balearic Islands counted 103,601 self-employed workers, making up 17.6% of total employment. This figure rose by 2,208 compared to the previous year (+2.2%) and by 2,748 from the previous month (+2.7%).
Unemployment
In April, the number of unemployed people in the Balearic Islands fell to 26,626, 1,599 fewer than the previous year (-5.7%). Unemployment dropped across all islands:
- Mallorca (-6.1%)
- Formentera (-4.2%)
- Eivissa (-4.0%)
- Menorca (-1.7%)
Nationally, unemployment decreased by 153,782 people (-5.8%).
Month-on-month, unemployment fell by 2,230 people (-7.7%) in the Balearics, well ahead of Andalusia (-3.7%). Declines were recorded in all islands, especially:
- Formentera (-14.0%)
- Eivissa (-13.2%)
- Menorca (-9.4%)
- Mallorca (-7.0%)
The administrative unemployment rate for April stood at 4.3%, 0.4 points lower than the same month last year.
By group, unemployment dropped most among:
- Women (-6.7%)
- People over 25 (-6.8%)
- Spanish nationals (-6.9%)
Unemployment fell across all sectors, most notably:
- Construction (-7.0%)
- Other services excluding hospitality and retail (-6.5%)
Exception: Among people under 25, unemployment increased by 5.1%.
Compared to March, unemployment fell most significantly among:
- Men (-8.1%)
- Under-25s (-23.7%)
- Non-EU foreigners (-14.0%)
By sector:
- Hospitality (-16.2%)
- Retail (-8.3%)
Statements from Catalina Cabrer
Catalina Cabrer, Secretary for Labour, Employment, and Social Dialogue, highlighted:
“We are close to 590,000 affiliations and already matching peak season unemployment levels from May and June in April. We are two months ahead and achieving historic lows in unemployment.”
She also noted:
“80% of our contracts are permanent, and our part-time rate has remained stable at 14%, six points below the national average.”
“The Balearic Islands are effectively at full employment—almost the entire active population is working.”
“These record figures are consistent over time, even during winter. That’s what makes this performance exceptional.”
Hiring and Contracts
In April, 40,337 new contracts were signed, 2,185 fewer than April 2024 (-5.1%). Contracting fell in all islands except:
- Formentera, where it rose by +27.8%
Declines were recorded in:
- Eivissa (-14.6%)
- Mallorca (-3.5%)
- Menorca (-0.04%)
Most notable declines in contracting were among:
- Women (-5.5%)
- Over-25s (-7.0%)
- Spanish nationals (-6.8%)
Meanwhile, contracting increased among:
- Under-25s (+1.9%)
By sector (year-on-year comparison):
- Agriculture (-39.3%)
- Construction (-21.6%)
- Retail (+4.9%)
- Hospitality (+0.6%)
Compared to March, contracts rose by 11,092 (+37.9%), especially in:
- Formentera (+176.5%)
By group (month-on-month increase):
- Women (+42.1%)
- Over-25s (+50.6%)
- EU foreigners (+68.3%)
By sector:
- Hospitality (+102.9%)
- Retail (+32.4%)
- Decreases in construction (-24.4%) and industry (-12.9%)
Permanent contracts made up 79.4% of all new contracts in April, well above the national average of 44.5%. Compared to April 2024:
- Permanent contracts dropped -3.8%
- Temporary contracts dropped -7.4%
The part-time contract rate in the Balearics is 14.3%, versus 20.6% nationally.
Job Seekers
The number of registered job seekers in April was 66,118, a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. This increase occurred across all islands except:
- Formentera, where it dropped -1.1%
Increases by island:
- Eivissa (+6.7%)
- Menorca (+3.6%)
- Mallorca (+0.9%)
Month-on-month, the number of job seekers dropped by 34,341 (-34.2%). By island:
- Eivissa (-48.5%)
- Formentera (-43.2%)
- Menorca (-35.5%)
- Mallorca (-30.7%)
The unemployment benefit coverage rate in April was 35.3%, down 6.8 points from the previous year (42.1%).