63,500 jobs lost in August as unemployment climbs 2.5%

Unemployment in Catalonia rose in August, increasing by 2.5%, according to data published on Tuesday by the labor ministry.

The number of jobless now stands at around 327,000 people, nearly 8,000 more than in July.

In absolute terms, Catalonia recorded the largest increase in unemployment among Spain’s autonomous communities.

Nearly three-quarters of all unemployed people were in the services sector, which also recorded the largest increase in joblessness.

The rise is mainly attributed to the end of contracts tied to the tourist season.

On the employment side, the number of registered workers fell by almost 63,500 in August, a 1.6% decrease.

This shift ends a streak of seven consecutive months of job growth since the start of the year.

Overall, 3.8 million people were affiliated with social security in Catalonia in August.

Despite the deterioration compared to July, the labor market remains stronger than a year ago, with more active workers and fewer unemployed.

Compared to August last year, unemployment fell by 8,600 people, a 2.6% decrease.

In fact, it is the lowest unemployment figure for the month of August since 2007.