On Wednesday, Canary Islands President Ángel Víctor Torres and Labor and Social Economy Minister Yolanda Díaz confirmed a pivotal agreement. The transfer of 2022 resources marks a broad employment plan for the Canary Islands (PICC) aimed at strengthening the archipelago’s job market and frontline social programs.
The official order included participation from regional leaders such as Elena Manéz, the Minister of Economy, Information and Employment, and Joaquin Pérez, the Minister of State for Labor and Social Economy. The package centers on equipping the Canary Islands with 42 million euros from the State Public Employment Service (SEPE), under the Ministry of Labour. This funding is designed to fund active employment policies, address the downturn in employment caused by the health crisis and the volcanic eruptions on La Palma, and tackle ongoing structural deficits in the region’s labor market.
Torres noted that the Comprehensive Employment Plan for the Canary Islands is already integrated into the General Government Budgets, and as in prior years, will proceed with advance scheduling. The initiative is expected to create jobs and provide training for up to 5,000 people across eight islands, with timelines that emphasize steady progress rather than delays.
He added that 63 million euros should supplement the initial 42 million euros as part of the 2022 PICC. This contribution from the State Government supports the La Palma Extraordinary Employment and Education Plan, a response to the volcanic crisis. The aim is to relieve hardship, help the island recover, and secure a future for La Palma’s residents and economy.
The president explained that the extraordinary program already enabled the hiring of around 2,000 people on La Palma. It has helped maintain social stability on the island amid the economic downturn triggered by the eruption, which threatened a broad spike in unemployment.
Diaz highlighted the commitments outlined in the Canary Islands’ Comprehensive Employment Plan for the year, stressing speed and efficiency in line with ambitious objectives. She indicated that the 2022 PICC aims to diversify the region’s productive fabric, raise the qualifications of the active workforce, enable inter-island mobility, and promote stable employment across the islands. Achieving stable jobs is framed as essential to a decent standard of living for residents, with a call for continued cross-government and social partner collaboration.
The minister emphasized that the program targets economic recovery and ongoing education. It prioritizes long-term unemployment and vulnerable groups while reinforcing a robust educational framework and qualification pathways for youth and adults alike. The overarching goal is to deliver practical actions that elevate employability and resilience during economic shocks.
Díaz reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the Canary Islands, noting that the archipelago’s unique needs warrant tailored responses. She expressed hope for a day when such instruments are no longer required because the economy is robust enough to stand on its own.
Employment Plan for La Palma
Regarding La Palma’s Extraordinary Employment and Education Plan, the ministry’s employment initiatives have received a funding total of 44.3 million euros, enabling the hiring of 1,671 individuals who can seize real opportunities today. The measures cluster around several targeted plans designed to reach areas most affected by the eruption.
Specific initiatives include the El Paso Employment Plan, which created 140 jobs; the Reconstruction Plan for areas of the Aridane Valley with 218 workers; the La Palma Island Employment Plan adding 257 roles; and the La Palma Volcano Emergency Employment Plan generating 865 positions. The ministry also coordinated with the Economy, Information and Employment department of the Canary Islands government to assist workers affected by ERE or through direct subsidies provided by the Cabildo de La Palma to support self-employed individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
These actions collectively foster a healthier economic ecosystem that sustains the island’s livelihood. They provide jobs and resources to many families and support essential services communities rely on, including maintenance, construction, and repairs. The broader effort emphasizes community resilience and the practical steps needed to stabilize and revitalize local economies after a crisis.