Spain has reason to be concerned at its latest unemployment figures

Spain has suffered from a persistent unemployment problem since the financial crisis, with the unemployment rate remaining stubbornly above 20%. Jose G. Montalvo writes on the release of the latest Spanish unemployment figures, which saw the unemployment rate increase in the first quarter of 2015. He notes that while the latest figures have to be put against the backdrop of an overall reduction in unemployment during the last two years, there are nevertheless strong reasons for concern over the future trajectory of the Spanish labour market.

ESO: Background information: Jobless drop in February biggest since 2001 http://www.europeansources.info/record/jobless-drop-in-february-biggest-since-2001-spains-economy-growth-jumps-in-first-quarter/

The Local.es, 23.04.15: Spain sees increase in first quarter jobless http://www.thelocal.es/20150423/spain-sees-slight-increase-in-first-quarter-jobless

Spain: INE: Press Release, 23.04.15: Economically Active Population Survey (EAPS). First quarter 2015 http://www.ine.es/en/daco/daco42/daco4211/epa0115_en.pdf

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