Spain’s Record Employment: A Double-Edged Sword
The Spanish labor market closed 2025 with an alarming record: an unprecedented number of workers are now juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. While there are highlights of increased job memberships and decreased unemployment, these figures mask a more troubling trend—many employees are forced to rely on two incomes for their livelihood.
Understanding the Rise of Multiple Jobs
Low Salaries and Part-Time Work
One of the primary reasons for this phenomenon is the prevalence of low salaries combined with an increase in part-time work. A recent study by Randstad indicates that over 630,000 individuals in Spain are now working multiple jobs, a historic high. This represents an increase of 50,000 from the previous year, illustrating an 8.6% growth in just twelve months.
The Data Behind the Numbers
At the end of 2025, the total number of employed individuals with secondary occupations reached 632,800, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Although multi-employment currently affects only 2.8% of the total workforce, the statistics point to a significant shift in the labor market dynamics.
Precarious Employment Conditions
Shift from Full-Time to Part-Time
A critical factor in the growing need for multiple jobs is the rise in part-time employment. EPA data from the last quarter of 2024 shows that 115,600 full-time positions disappeared, while part-time roles increased by 191,800. Workers aiming for full-time hours often resort to combining part-time jobs to meet their financial needs.
Gender Dynamics in Employment
Interestingly, this trend also highlights the gender divide in the workforce. By the end of 2025, 317,200 women were working multiple jobs, slightly surpassing 315,400 men. Women often face unique challenges such as the balancing act of childcare and precarious employment conditions, leading them to seek additional work.
Sector-Specific Trends
Dominance of the Services Sector
The majority of those engaging in multi-employment are concentrated in the services sector, which accounts for 87.5% of all multi-employed workers in Spain. Notably, about 553,300 of these individuals work in hospitality and related services. Conversely, industries such as construction and agriculture feature significantly fewer multi-employed workers.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026
According to forecasts from Randstad Research, the employed population in Spain is expected to average 22.64 million in 2026, reflecting a 1.9% increase compared to 2025. Furthermore, unemployment rates are expected to decline to an average of 9.8%.
Economic Challenges Ahead
However, the economic outlook remains complex. Inflation is predicted to diminish the purchasing power of families, potentially leading to further increases in multi-employment. As workers continue to juggle multiple jobs to maintain their standard of living, Spain may see these records of dual employment rise even higher.
This evolving landscape underscores the challenges and complexities of the current labor market in Spain. As the nation braces for the implications of a tougher economic environment in 2026, one must consider how these challenges will influence workers’ lives in the years to come.