Registered unemployment in the Region of Murcia increased in January by 1,351 people, a rise of 1.84 per cent compared with December, taking the total number of jobseekers to 74,832. The figures, published by the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, show that this is still the lowest unemployment level for a January since 2008.

Over the past twelve months, unemployment in the region has fallen by 5,242 people, a drop of 6.55 per cent. By sector, joblessness declined in construction, agriculture, industry and among those with no previous employment, while the services sector saw an increase of 1,486 people following the end of the Christmas campaign.

Women accounted for 46,591 of those unemployed, while 28,241 were men. Youth unemployment fell, with 587 fewer people under twenty five out of work, although unemployment rose among those aged twenty five and over. During January, more than 41,800 contracts were signed in Murcia, with permanent contracts making up just over fifty six per cent of the total.

At national level, unemployment also rose in January, increasing by just over 30,000 people to a total of 2.44 million. Despite the monthly rise, this remains the lowest January figure in Spain for eighteen years, according to the ministry.