In year-on-year terms, the number of people registered with the Spanish Social Security system has risen for the seventh consecutive month: there are 321,833 more than a year ago, which translates into growth of 1.97% - the highest in 80 months (since January 2008). Furthermore, there has been no year-on-year increase in the number of contributors in August since 2007.
Seasonally-adjusted data
The seasonally-adjusted data offer more accurate information on labour market trends. The August balance, which is neutral in statistical terms (-2,297), reflects the best result for this month in the last seven years. In turn, the seasonally-adjusted year-on-year rate (320,183) is positive for the first time since 2007.
The State Secretary for Social Secuºrity, Tomás Burgos, also stressed that, "for the first time since August 2006, there has been a year-on-year decrease in recorded unemployment and a year-on-year increase in the number of people registered with the system".
"The National Insurance contributor result in the last month was fully expected, as seasonality has a significant effect on the system in August regardless of the overall economic climate. This balance therefore enables us to maintain our medium-term job creation expectations", said Tomás Burgos.
To date this year (to August), the Spanish Social Security system has gained 291,880 contributors, compared with 114,994 lost in the same period of 2013.
Sectors
The number of people registered under the General Regime fell by 88,034 (-0.65%) last month - mainly in the education sector, which accounts for over half of the reduction.
Especially noteworthy increases were posted under Healthcare Activities (19,397 or 1.45%) and Hotel and Catering Activities (19,790 or 1.74%). The total number of people registered under this regime stands at 13,470,784.
Also within the General Regime, it should be noted that the Special System for Agricultural Workers posted a reduction of 13,454 average contributors (-1.88%) to a total of 701,867. In turn, the Special System for Domestic Workers shrank by 2,431 contributors (-0.57%) to stand at an average total of 426,036.
3,109,867 contributors were registered under the Regime for Self-Employed Workers, following a decrease of 9,566 (-0.31%).
116 more people were registered under the Regime for Seamen (0.18%) to an average total of 64,705. Finally, the Special Regime for Coal Workers shrank by 98 contributors (-2.3%) to stand at 4,164.
Year-on-year change
As regards the year-on-year change, the average number of contributors rose by the aforementioned 321,833; in other words, an increase of 1.97%. Specifically, the General Regime grew by 1.86% or 246,337 more contributors. As regards the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, it should be noted that the rate rose by 2.5% following an increase of 75,863 contributors over the last 12 months.
The Regime for Seamen shrank by 180 (-0.28%), while the Regime for Coal Workers shrank by 187 (-4.29%).
Autonomous regions
In the last month, the number of contributors to the Spanish Social Security system rose in seven autonomous regions, led by the Canary Islands (up 3,415), Asturias (1,851) and Cantabria (1,577). In contrast, negative results were posted by Catalonia (-32,605), the Region of Madrid (-23,180) and the Region of Valencia (-20,728).
