Unemployment trends in Petrer
Petrer shows a notable improvement in unemployment statistics, with the latest figures marking the lowest level seen in the past 16 years. The registered unemployment rate stands at 21.03 percent, a historical low not observed since 2006. As May closes, the city records 3,283 people unemployed, underscoring a record decline in joblessness.
David Morcillo, a member of the Economic Development Council, commented on these trends, emphasizing cautious optimism. He noted that while significant progress is evident, there remains a long road ahead. The council is actively pursuing measures from the City Council to expand industrial land and fuel new employment opportunities.
Looking at the broader historical sequence, the present figure aligns closely with unemployment levels last seen in 2002, when 3,349 residents were unemployed. The contrast is striking when recalling the years 2012 to 2014, when registered unemployment was roughly double the current rate, lingering around 40 percent and even higher for several months. In April, the rate stood at 21.03 percent, a record low within the historical series since the current metric began in 2006. The mayor highlighted that the current situation reflects the kind of economic stability seen before the 2008 financial crisis.
Precautions and ongoing work
Morcillo urged careful footing despite the positive data. He explained that the aim remains clear: to secure more job opportunities for Petrer residents, encourage new business formation, and diversify the local economy. Local officials, led by the mayor, Irene Navarro, are moving forward with plans to develop an Advanced Industrial Zone in the La Cantera area. This project envisions large industrial parcels connected to the existing Les Pedreres zone, signaling a strategic push to broaden the productive base.
Gender dynamics are also part of the recovery story. The decline in female unemployment is notable; in May 2022, 2,159 women were registered as job seekers. Comparing past years emphasizes the progress, as 2013 saw around 1,500 women on unemployment lists.
The mayor also highlighted an encouraging five-year average unemployment figure of 23 percent, which has dropped by two percentage points. More importantly, this five-year average sits nine points below Petrer’s longer historical average of 30 percent. The interpretation is clear to Morcillo: employment policies are taking root and the city is moving in the right direction.
Small business and self-employment momentum
Another important aspect is the resilience of self-employment. In 2022, monthly data consistently showed more than 2,500 self-employed individuals for most months, a pattern that has persisted into recent months and is considered a sign of economic dynamism.
These unemployment figures reflect a recovery from the pandemic’s hit to local jobs. In May 2020, early in the health emergency, the city registered around 1,000 unemployed residents, a figure well below today’s numbers. The overall message from local officials is that the city has reached levels reminiscent of a decade and a half ago, with growth in sectors such as food services and retail driving employment gains.