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Big jump in Spanish unemployment | Big jump in Spanish unemployment |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The number of people out of work in Spain increased by 199,000, or 6%, in January from the previous month, official figures show. | The number of people out of work in Spain increased by 199,000, or 6%, in January from the previous month, official figures show. |
The record monthly jump brought the total jobless number to 3.3 million, the highest since 1996, the Labour Ministry said. | The record monthly jump brought the total jobless number to 3.3 million, the highest since 1996, the Labour Ministry said. |
The ranks of Spain's unemployed have swelled by more than one million in the past year. | The ranks of Spain's unemployed have swelled by more than one million in the past year. |
At 14.4%, the Spanish unemployment rate is by far the highest in the EU. | At 14.4%, the Spanish unemployment rate is by far the highest in the EU. |
"We continue to be affected by the serious international financial crisis, the lack of of liquidity and the fall in consumer spending," said Maravillas Rojo, Spain's employment secretary. | "We continue to be affected by the serious international financial crisis, the lack of of liquidity and the fall in consumer spending," said Maravillas Rojo, Spain's employment secretary. |
Spain was until recently one of Europe's fastest growing economies, but the global financial crisis has hit the country hard, particularly affecting the property and construction sectors. | Spain was until recently one of Europe's fastest growing economies, but the global financial crisis has hit the country hard, particularly affecting the property and construction sectors. |
EUROPE UNEMPLOYMENT Netherlands 2.7%UK 6.1%Germany 7.2%France 7.9%Spain 14.4% Source: Eurostat | |
The European Commission has forecast that the unemployment rate will continue to increase in Spain to 16.1% in 2010 and 18.7% the following year. | The European Commission has forecast that the unemployment rate will continue to increase in Spain to 16.1% in 2010 and 18.7% the following year. |
In another sign of the weakening economy, Spanish car sales fell by 41.6% in January from a year earlier. | In another sign of the weakening economy, Spanish car sales fell by 41.6% in January from a year earlier. |
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero met financial leaders on Monday to urge them to boost lending. | |
He also told those out of work that the country's economic stimulus plan would begin taking effect soon, creating new jobs. | |
"We are going to overcome the economic crisis," Mr Zapatero said. |