Valencian unemployment rises by 2,267 in September as affiliation tops 2.3 million

September jobless data and regional trends

Registered unemployment in the Valencian Community increased by 2,267 people in September 2026, a 0.77% to 0.8% rise compared to August, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy. The increase brought total joblessness to 296,786, marking the third consecutive month of rising unemployment. Across provinces, joblessness increased in Alicante by 1,627 people (1.39%) and in Castellon by 798 people (2.46%), while Valencia saw a decrease of 158 people (0.11%). Nationally, unemployment grew across 15 autonomous communities, led by Andalusia with 6,733 additional seekers, while only the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and La Rioja recorded declines. Ministry data reported an annual variation of 2,771 people compared to September 2025.

Sector dynamics and youth unemployment

Productive economic sectors experienced a reduction in registered job seekers during September. Services recorded a drop of 606 unemployed people, construction decreased by 385, industry fell by 263, and agriculture declined by 29. The net rise in unemployment was driven by individuals without previous employment, which expanded by 3,550 people (12.39%). In total, services accounted for 203,665 jobless claimants, followed by industry with 32,889, the group without previous work with 32,207, construction with 21,204, and agriculture with 6,811.

Demographic data showed 181,142 jobless women and 115,644 men. Unemployment among youths under 25 rose by 2,852 people (16.5%) to 20,142, whereas unemployment among individuals aged 25 and older fell by 585.

Regional response and foreign worker regularisation

Susana Camarero, First Vice President and Regional Minister of Housing, Employment, Youth and Equality for the Generalitat Valenciana, attributed the September increase to newly regularised foreign workers under the central government process led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Regional figures noted that unemployment among Spanish citizens fell by 2,549 people (1.1%), whereas foreign unemployment rose by 4,816 (7.81%) to 66,518. According to the employment agency Labora, 3,216 newly regularised foreign workers registered as unemployed in September, a 48.8% increase compared to August. Regional officials calculated that excluding these individuals, unemployment would have fallen by 949 people (0.33%). Camarero called on Madrid for added resources.

The incorporation of these persons is generating a new demand for orientation, training, and labour intermediation that we must address from Labora. That is why we continue to demand from the Government of Spain the necessary resources to provide an adequate response.

Social security affiliation and hiring volume

Social Security affiliation in the Valencian Community reached more than 2.3 million contributors, adding 8,833 affiliations in September, a 0.4% monthly rise. Year on year, regional affiliation expanded by 4.5%, adding 99,183 contributors and leading Spain in annual affiliation growth for the thirteenth consecutive month. Hiring activity totaled 142,785 contracts registered during the month, up 46.34% from August and 2.67% higher than September 2025. Permanent contracts accounted for 55.11% of the total with 78,686 agreements, an increase of 9.3% year on year, while temporary contracts dropped by 4.5% to 64,099.