The Canary Islands marked the end of 2024 with the lowest unemployment figures since 2007, continuing a trend of four consecutive years of declining unemployment. According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, the number of registered unemployed decreased by 11,501 people in 2024, a 6.8% drop compared to the previous year, leaving 156,344 unemployed individuals in the region.
Key Highlights of 2024
- Monthly Improvement in December:
- Unemployment fell by 2,541 people (-1.6%) in December compared to November.
- December unemployment has decreased in the Canary Islands 24 times since 1996, with this year marking the smallest drop since 2015.
- Four Years of Declining Unemployment:
- This marks the fourth consecutive year of improvements in employment figures, a trend reflecting the region’s economic recovery.
- Comparative Data:
- Since the start of record-keeping in 1996, unemployment in the Canary Islands has decreased in 15 years while increasing in 13.
- The decline in 2024 was the smallest since 2018.
Demographic and Sector Analysis
By Gender:
- Women:
- Unemployment fell to 89,138 women, a decrease of 6,616 (-6.91%) compared to 2023.
- Men:
- The number of unemployed men dropped to 67,206, representing a reduction of 4,885 (-6.77%).
By Age Group:
- Youth under 25:
- Unemployment decreased by 754 people (-8.4%) during the year.
- Aged 25 and over:
- Unemployment fell by 10,747 people (-6.7%).
By Sector:
- Decreases:
- Services: -2,050 (-1.67%), ending with 121,042 unemployed.
- Agriculture: -74 (-2.83%), ending with 2,539 unemployed.
- Industry: -28 (-0.48%), ending with 5,789 unemployed.
- Without Previous Employment: -393 (-2.96%), ending with 12,873 unemployed.
- Increase:
- Construction: +4 (+0.03%), ending with 14,101 unemployed.
Regional and Island Trends
Island-specific Changes:
- Largest Percentage Decrease:
- La Gomera: -20.76% (-269 people).
- Largest Absolute Decreases:
- Gran Canaria: -5,312 people (-7.29%).
- Tenerife: -4,600 people (-6.37%).
By Provinces:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: -1,327 people in December.
- Las Palmas: -1,214 people in December.
Contracting Trends
- Increase in Contracts:
- In December 2024, the Canary Islands registered 57,674 new contracts, up 6.9% from the previous year.
- Permanent contracts: Increased by 2.1% to 21,970.
- Temporary contracts: Increased by 10.1% to 35,704.
- Contract Type Breakdown:
- Temporary contracts: Represented 61.91% of all contracts in December, up from 57.32% in the previous month.
- Permanent contracts: Accounted for 38.09%, down from 42.68% in November.
The Canary Islands have consistently reduced unemployment over the past four years, with 2024 recording the lowest figures in nearly two decades. However, challenges remain, particularly in sectors like construction, and the increase in temporary contracts highlights ongoing volatility in the job market. Despite this, the region’s continued improvement in employment figures positions it for further economic recovery in 2025.
