Unemployment in the Canary Islands drops below 145,000 for the first time in nearly two decades

The archipelago registers 144,598 unemployed in May, the lowest figure in almost 20 years, with decreases across all age groups and most sectors.

Generic image of unemployment statistics with a subtle Canary Islands volcanic landscape.
IA

Generic image of unemployment statistics with a subtle Canary Islands volcanic landscape.

The number of unemployed people in the Canary Islands stood at 144,598 in May, the lowest figure since December 2007, representing a decrease of 763 people compared to April and 7,573 compared to the previous year.

The Canarian Employment Service (SCE) has released data reflecting a significant improvement in the archipelago's labor market. Unemployment decreased by 0.52% compared to April and by 4.98% year-on-year. The Vice-Minister of Employment for the Government of the Canary Islands, Isabel León, highlighted the symbolic and statistical value of falling below the 145,000 unemployed threshold, reinforcing the positive evolution of the labor market.
This context is accompanied by an increase in the active population, indicating greater labor participation in the autonomous community. Long-term unemployment, affecting 63,625 people (44% of the total), reached its lowest level since January 2009, with a decrease of 38 people compared to April and 5,340 over the past year.
Isabel León emphasized the regional government's commitment to this priority group, strengthening employment insertion efforts. Unemployment decreased across all age groups in May: 171 fewer people under 25, 111 between 25 and 45, and 481 among those over 45. Year-on-year decreases were also positive in all groups.
By economic sectors, unemployment fell in most activities, with notable decreases in Agriculture, Industry, Construction, Commerce, and Other Services. Hospitality was the only sector where unemployment increased. In year-on-year terms, Commerce and Construction recorded the largest reductions.
Hiring in May saw a general increase compared to the previous month, led by Construction and Other Services. Hospitality and Commerce were the only sectors with fewer contracts. The Director General of Labor, José Ramón Rodríguez, stated that the labor market remains active and generates employment, although he pointed to "specific adjustments in hospitality and commerce".
Rodríguez stressed the positive general trend and the dynamic and diversified hiring in the Canary Islands, with notable growth in the audiovisual sector.