A Positive Outlook
During the first quarter of the year, the unemployment rate in Aragon stood at 8%, which places it as the second lowest in the entire country, only behind Cantabria. This data is especially relevant when considering that the Aragonese rate is four points better than the Spanish average. These data come from the recently published Active Population Survey, which also reflects an increase in the active population by 3,600 citizens and in employed people by 12,000, which represents an increase of 2%.
Opinion of the Authorities
The general director of Economic Policy of the Government of Aragon, Javier Martínez, has expressed his optimism regarding these data, describing them as very positive for the evolution of the economy. He highlighted that the increase in active people has not negatively affected the unemployment rate, which he considers fundamental.
Annual Evolution and National Comparative
Compared to the previous year, the active population in Aragon has experienced an increase of 3,600 people, chaining six consecutive quarters of increases. The number of employed people has also grown, with 12,000 more people than the previous year, which is equivalent to an increase of 2% in the annual rate. As a result, the number of unemployed has been reduced by 8,400 people in one year, reaching a total of 53,900 people unemployed in the first quarter of 2024.
Regional and Sectoral Comparison
The unemployment rate in Aragon is 4.3 percentage points lower than the national average in the first quarter of 2024. Regarding sectoral evolution, employment has increased in all sectors except industry. Services have experienced an increase of 2.2% annually, construction 10.7% annually, and agriculture 1.2% annually. On the other hand, the industry has suffered a fall of 1.1% annually.
Analysis by Gender
The behavior of the Aragonese labor market has been more positive among men, with a significant increase in the active male population and a vigorous increase of 3.7% in the annual rate in terms of employment. In contrast, the female active population has decreased by 1.9% annually, with a slight decrease in employment in the same period.
Quarterly Evolution and Outlook
Compared to the previous quarter, both the active population and employment have experienced a decrease in Aragon. This behavior is common in winter, despite the fact that this year Easter was celebrated in the last week of March, which could have positively influenced hiring. Despite this quarterly decline, the unemployment rate fell in the first quarter of 2024.
