Public works scheme boosts Spanish jobs

The number of registered unemployed in Spain fell for the third month running in July 2009, largely thanks to a government public works programme designed to create jobs and the seasonal increase in employment in the tourism industry.

Jobless claims fell 20,794 in July to 3.54m, but with nearly 18% of the workforce unemployed, Spain still has the highest jobless rate in the European Union. Compared with July 2008, unemployment was up by more than 1m, or 46%.

ESO: Background information: Spanish figures sum up Europe’s plight http://www.europeansources.info/record/spanish-figures-sum-up-europes-plight/

Spain: Instituto Nacional de Estasidistica (INE) http://www.ine.es/welcoing.htm

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