More jobs, better conditions? The real gap in Spain

More jobs, better conditions? The gap between optimism and reality

While the official narrative insists that there is more work every day and under better conditions, the evidence on the ground paints a far less flattering picture. On one hand, employment figures are hitting record highs; on the other, entire sectors are witnessing a mass closure of factories exceeding a thousand in the past year, according to sources within industry. The paradox is striking: anyone who wants to work finds a job, but it is often precarious, poorly paid work with high turnover. The debate is polarized between those who see an unprecedented recovery and those who point to the spread of what they call "junk jobs".

The contrast between macro figures and micro experience

The optimistic argument holds that, eight years ago, the situation was far worse: structural unemployment hovered around 25% and temporary contracts trinc one another with no chance of stability. Today, the unemployment rate has fallen significantly and permanent hiring is growing. However, critics point out that many of these new jobs do not guarantee a decent standard of living: low wages, split shifts and little social protection. The expression "junk jobs" captures the perception that quantity has improved at the expense of quality.

Spain's industrial base under scrutiny

In some sectors, the reality is even harsher. The loss of more than a thousand factories in twelve months is no small matter: it means the disappearance of skilled jobs, a more precarious supply chain and dependence on low value-added services. While some celebrate the flexibility of the labour market, others remind us that without an industrial base, the Spanish economy will hardly be able to sustain structural improvements.

To what extent is a model sustainable that boasts record employment while the industrial fabric fades away? The answer is not clear-cut, but the question remains on the table.