Is Spain ‘doomed’ to unemployment?
Although its job market has been breaking new records with the number of unemployed at a 15-year low, it still tops EU’s unemployment rate.
Introduction
After being unhappy with his job for months, Francisco Gómez, 36, received a letter of dismissal. He had been working in Barcelona as a lawyer since 2018. Gómez had asked for a promotion that stalled due to a change in management. He did not agree with the company’s new policy and in April, on return from sick leave, they decided to fire him. That was the first time he found himself unemployed and since then he has been trying to find a new job.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
The Spanish Paradox
The number of unemployed in Spain has not been this low since August 2008, according to Eurostat. However, the number of long-term unemployed stands at 6.2%, an increase of one point compared to 2020, as can be seen in the latest data published by the National Institute of Statistics.
Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge 1: Low salaries and high cost of living in big cities
- Challenge 2: High youth unemployment
Conclusion
As Spain continues to struggle to move down the rankings, many are wondering whether unemployment will always be its great burden. Measures such as the country’s 2021 labour reform, introduced to put an end to job instability and temporary employment, would help to converge towards data like that of its European neighbours. However, Spain still has work to do, particularly in terms of active policies for the unemployed and addressing the high rate of youth unemployment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
- Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
- Indicator 4.4.2: Proportion of youth and adults with functional literacy and numeracy skills.
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
– Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
– Indicator 4.4.2: Proportion of youth and adults with functional literacy and numeracy skills.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities. Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities. |
SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill. Indicator 4.4.2: Proportion of youth and adults with functional literacy and numeracy skills. |
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Source: euronews.com
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