The industrial sector remains a cornerstone of Elda’s economy and its labor market, shaping a substantial share of local activity. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) confirms that, in the most recent records from 2020, roughly one third of all employment in Elda is tied to industry, with a pronounced emphasis on footwear and leather goods. This concentration stands out when compared with other industrial municipalities, underscoring Elda’s enduring role as a hub where manufacturing and craft work the gears of economic life. In broader terms, Elda is one of the Spanish cities where industrial activity weighs heavily in the overall economy, reflecting a long-standing specialization and a workforce experienced in production, quality control, and distribution that keeps local companies competitive and adaptive to market demands.
The significance of the footwear sector in Elda is not only visible in output but also in the labor market data that track employment dynamics. Latest figures from the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) align with mid-summer trends, indicating a sustained decline in unemployment in Elda and a return toward, or even below, pre-pandemic levels across multiple months. This trend highlights how closely tied labor health is to the fortunes of the manufacturing industry, especially footwear, which remains a driver of job creation and stability in the city.
At present, the total number of unemployed residents in Elda stands at 5,327, the lowest since systematic records began. The footwear sector has played a leading role in pulling unemployment down, reporting 881 jobless individuals associated with this industry—the smallest count observed in the available statistics. This result illustrates a meaningful recovery supported by a diversified supply chain, from design and production to logistics, which helps sustain local employment even during fluctuations in global demand. The year-over-year data show a 24.3% drop relative to pre-pandemic levels, a pace that surpasses earlier benchmarks and points to resilience within the industrial community. When compared with the peak of the crisis in April 2020, the decline remains notable, reflecting a sharper improvement of 37.2% as the market regained momentum and consumer activity rebounded.
In parallel, Social Security participation in Elda continues to grow, underscoring a healthier employment climate. The most recent quarterly data indicate that the number of affiliates to Social Security in Elda reached 17,229 in the second quarter, according to the Valencia Institute of Statistics (IVE). This figure marks a 5.20% increase over the same period in 2021 and a 12% rise versus 2020, signaling broader participation across the workforce and a stronger base for social protections. Such growth is closely linked to the expansion observed in industrial employment, which shows a rising trend in job registrations and payroll contributions that translate into greater economic stability for households and local businesses.
During the second quarter, industrial sector participation totaled 4,795 workers, an 11.5% rise from 2021 and a robust 22.1% jump compared with 2020. This momentum reflects sustained activity in manufacturing, with improvements in productivity, skilled labor retention, and investments in equipment and facilities that heighten output efficiency. Silvia Ibanez, a member of the Economic Development, Industry and Employment Council, commented on these results, noting that economic activity in the province has recovered strongly from the pandemic’s effects, even amid ongoing uncertainties. The unemployment and Social Security enrollment data together paint a picture of a resilient economy that has absorbed shocks and moved toward inclusive recovery.
The mayor added that, despite the encouraging numbers, local authorities remain committed to strengthening Elda’s economic fabric. The focus continues to be on supporting self-employed workers and small- and medium-sized enterprises, investing in the city’s industrial zones, and fostering a living environment that can attract new companies and entrepreneurs. This approach aims to create sustainable job opportunities and generate wealth across neighborhoods, contributing to a more dynamic urban economy in the long term.