In a slight reversal of its previous downward trend, Spain's unemployment rate saw a modest increase in December 2025. According to the latest data released on January 5, 2026, the unemployment change indicator for December recorded a figure of -16.3K, a slight uptick from the -18.8K figure observed in November 2025.
This marginal change suggests a slowdown in the rate at which unemployment had been decreasing, although it still marks a downward trend year-over-year. November's indicator had previously shown a more robust decrease in unemployment, likely buoyed by seasonal employment in preparation for the holiday season.
Economists are keeping a keen eye on the continued fluctuation of unemployment figures in Spain, amid broader challenges facing the European economy. With global economic conditions remaining somewhat turbulent, the ability of Spain to sustain and continue its reductions in unemployment rates will be an important indicator of its economic resilience moving forward into 2026.
