Spain has set records in youth employment. The bad news is that one in three unemployed people is already over 50

Spain’s unemployment fell to 2.36 million in April 2026, with youth joblessness hitting its lowest level on record.

Despite the overall improvement, 58.4% of unemployed people were over 45, showing a strong age gap in the labor market.

Older workers, especially those over 50, continue to account for most long-term unemployment and face tougher reentry into work.

The data points to an uneven recovery: better prospects for young people, but persistent barriers for senior workers in Spain.