Spain's Jobless Claims Fall to Nearly 20-Year Low as Summer Hiring Surges

Spain's unemployment fell to its lowest level in nearly two decades in May 2026, driven by seasonal hiring in the hospitality sector. The number of registered jobless dropped by 36,323 from April, while Social Security affiliations rose by nearly 232,000, data showed on June 2, 2026. The robust labor market data signals continued strength in Spain's economy as tourism activity ramps up for the summer. The jobless total now stands at its lowest since 2007, underscoring the recovery from pandemic-era shocks. The gains were concentrated in services, with hospitality accounting for the bulk of new jobs.