Unemployment falls in the Balearic Islands but unions warn of precariousness and difficulties in living
Unemployment falls to 26,518 people and affiliations exceed 540,000 contributors, while CCOO warns of precariousness and the cost of housing
PalmUnemployment has fallen again in the Balearic Islands during the month of March, with 26,518 people unemployed, 821 fewer than in February, representing a 3% drop. Compared to the same month last year, the decrease is even more notable, with 2,338 fewer unemployed, an 8.1% year-on-year reduction.
Despite this positive data, the CCOO union has warned that improved employment does not necessarily translate into improved living conditions. “In the Balearic Islands, you can have a job but not a place to live,” they stated, referring to the increase in housing costs and insufficient wages.
By sectors, the reduction in unemployment has been concentrated mainly in services, with 895 fewer people, followed by construction, with 28 fewer, and agriculture, with a decrease of nine people. On the other hand, unemployment has slightly increased in industry, with two more unemployed, and among people with no previous occupation, with 109 more.
Regarding job creation, Social Security data shows a strong increase in labor activity. In March, 540,388 affiliations were registered, 35,108 more than the previous month, representing a 6.95% increase. In year-on-year terms, affiliation has also grown, with 15,919 more workers than in March 2025, a 3.04% increase.
Of the total contributors, 435,335 correspond to the general regime, while 103,093 are self-employed and 2,060 are sea workers. Within the general regime, there are also 7,926 domestic workers and 2,319 from the agricultural sector.
During the month of March, 32,805 contracts were also signed, 12.17% more than a year ago. Of these, 72.6% were permanent, although the union points out that many correspond to permanent seasonal contracts, which do not guarantee income throughout the year.
According to CCOO, the improvement in figures is linked to the start of the tourist season and the reactivation of permanent seasonal workers. Therefore, they warn that the economic model of the Balearic Islands continues to generate precariousness and inequalities, especially due to the rising cost of rent and basic products.
The union also warns that the situation could worsen with potential inflation derived from the international conflict with Iran, a fact that, they assure, will make it even more difficult for many working families to make ends meet.