Unemployment rate down to 12.9%, but still far from pre-pandemic figures
There are 499,700 jobless people — 88,100 more than last year, but 38,200 fewer than three months ago
Business
Business & economic news from Barcelona and Catalonia
€2.1bn losses for Barcelona hotels since start of pandemic
Sector calls for vaccination program to speed up after missing out on 95% of usual turnover
BBVA plans to lay off 3,800 workers, 16% of the bank's staff in Spain
Bank intends to close 530 offices, a few days after Caixabank revealed 754 people would be made redundant in Catalonia
Caixabank plans to lay off 18% of staff after merger with Bankia
Financial institution intends to close 1,534 offices across Spain
Mobile World Congress organizers reaffirm desire to keep trade show in BCN beyond 2024
Industry fair expected to have “much smaller” impact on Catalan economy compared to other years
Catalan exports rise by 6.4% in February compared to same month last year
Better figure than Spain's average, which calculated a 1.9% decrease over the same period
Renfe to introduce new train tickets for long-distance and AVE routes
The new system plans to increase passenger numbers, with discounts of up to 75%
Barcelona aims to create 100,000 jobs in 20 new projects over next decade
Local council proposes to "transform" the economic model to make it "more competitive, sustainable and equitable"
Barcelona Airport March passenger numbers almost 90% less than pre-pandemic
Former air traffic control tower is to host international aviation start-up hub
Unemployment falls slightly in March with half a million still left without work
There are now 505,900 jobless in Catalonia, an increase of 21.31% compared to the same month last year
Google becomes biggest tech firm to pull out of Mobile World Congress’ in-person event
Trade fair will still be held in Barcelona this summer, despite cancellations from Sony, Facebook, BT, and Ericsson
Smaller Easter cakes for restricted social gatherings
Bakeries in Catalonia hope to return to pre-pandemic sales, but a reduction in size will make ‘Mones de Pasqua’ less profitable
Utility company Endesa and authorities to pay off €38.7 M in debt
Over 35,000 households will benefit from measure
Caixabank completes fusion with Bankia to become largest financial institution in Spain
New bank will have nearly 20 million clients, €623.8 billion in assets and market capitalization of over €20.5 billion
Barcelona council suspends licenses of dark kitchens for one year
Move from local authorities aims to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of this new activity, while giving time to draw up regulation
Read the latest updates and breaking news on business and economic matters from Barcelona and Catalonia here. Keep up to date with how the Catalan economy is performing, inflation levels, employment and unemployment, major business mergers, important company announcements, and the latest on Catalonia’s biggest enterprises such as Vueling, Wallbox, Grifols, Mango, and plenty of start-ups and international firms based here too.