More than 104,201 residents of Alicante were employed by Public Administrations, marking a notable recovery trend. The latest government report shows that despite some quirks in the figures, this rise is real and supported by ongoing mergers. For the first time, the data include short-term contracts and trainees or interns, offering a fuller picture than in previous statistical reviews.
The government’s July 2023 statistical bulletin on personnel in Public Administrations reveals a sizable year-over-year increase across all regions. Nationally, 236,461 more people joined the public workforce, bringing the total to 2,967,578.
The foreword explains that the surge is largely due to the edition counting all temporary contracts, not only those exceeding six months, as in the past. It also includes staff in training or internship programs, providing a comprehensive view of public employment.
In the Valencian Community, the count rose by 25,268 to reach 282,630. Within Valencia province, the figure grew by 6,490 to 143,156, while Castellón province added 2,726 to 35,273. The biggest jump occurred in Alicante province, increasing by 16,052 to a total of 104,201.
Another striking detail from Alicante is that almost all of the growth is in staff affiliated with the Autonomous Administration, totaling 15,958 new positions and bringing the overall number to 72,304. The public sector at the state level added 40 positions, reaching 10,172, with a continued upward trend. The total for the province’s public sector rises to 21,725, with 54 of those in local governments. Across the province, 61,768 public employees are women and 42,433 are men.
Spain closed 2023 with a new employment record featuring 20.84 million jobs
The bulletin outlines how the State’s public sector workforce is distributed: 6,142 personnel serve in the Armed Forces and Security Forces, 3,872 work in various administrative departments, and 158 are stationed in the courts.
Commentary from Alicante reflects a consensus that much of the increase stems from temporary contracts or internships. Experts note ongoing restructuring by the Generalitat, while cautioning against assuming the growth rate will continue at the same pace. In addition, it is highlighted that temporary employment remains a significant portion of the workforce in the province, particularly in Health and Education, hovering near the 50 percent mark in both sectors.
Yolanda Díaz of the UGT in the region stresses that previous autonomous government actions called for stability in personnel, but acknowledges that substantial work remains, including addressing intergenerational changes in civil service.