• The Spanish labour market is advancing in a scenario of structural transformation, where employment needs do not depend solely on economic growth
• The SEPE analyses employment indicators and anticipates the main changes in a context of economic moderation and productive transformation

The report Labour Market Trends in Spain 2026, from the SEPE’s Occupations Observatory, analyses the recent evolution of employment and forecasts the main sectoral and occupational changes. The analysis combines quantitative and qualitative indicators and is supported by collaboration with experts and key informants, allowing short- and medium-term changes to be anticipated.

The Spanish labour market maintained a favourable evolution in 2025, with sustained employment growth and an unemployment rate at its lowest since 2007, although still high compared to Europe. Social Security affiliation exceeded 21.7 million people, driven mainly by services and construction, while agriculture continued its downward trend.

The report also identifies the productive sectors and occupations that will concentrate the highest job creation in the coming years, in a context of moderating economic growth and profound technological, demographic, and productive changes.

A reconfiguration of activities and occupations is foreseen, derived from technological innovation and changes in the productive system, which will require the adaptation of skills and qualifications.

In the short and medium term, employment will be conditioned by generational turnover, especially in certain occupations and sectors, quantified in the report as the main component of future job opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2026–2028, projections point to a slowdown in GDP growth, but with job creation, supported by domestic demand, investment, and the effect of European funds.

Sectors such as construction, professional activities, information technologies, the pharmaceutical industry, and the green transition concentrate the best employment prospects.

The report warns, however, of structural challenges such as the shortage of qualified workforce, the ageing of the active population, the mismatch between labor supply and demand, and the need to reinforce training in digital, technical, and green skills to guarantee the sustainability of employment growth.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Economy