El Observatori Marina Alta from CREAMA and PACTE'MA has revealed the data of employment July 2026 for the region, highlighting a new historical record with 71.262 Social Security affiliations, the first time they have been exceeded 70.000However, registered unemployment has experienced a slight increase of 47 people, breaking the usual trend for this month and leaving the total number of unemployed at 7.205, although it remains the lowest figure recorded in a July since 2008.
Record number of Social Security affiliations
The Marina Alta region has reached a new all-time high in employment in July. 2026, adding up 2.490 more affiliations compared to June, representing a growth of 3,6 %In year-on-year comparison, the region has incorporated around 4.000 additional affiliations, an increase of 5,99 %These data confirm the dynamism of the labor market, especially during the peak summer months, driven by activities linked to , commerce and hospitality.
Unemployment registers an unusual spike in July
Despite the growth in membership, registered unemployment in the Marina Alta region has increased. 47 people during July, which represents an increase of 0,66 %This trend is "unusual for this month," as historical data shows a decrease in unemployment in every previous July. However, the unemployment level remains "historically low," being the lowest figure recorded for a July since [date missing]. 2008Furthermore, the year-on-year trend remains positive, with a reduction of 259 people regarding July 2025linking the region 62 consecutive months of year-on-year declines.
Unemployment rate below 10% and sectoral impact
The estimated unemployment rate in the Marina Alta region is at 9,18 %, a figure lower than that of the province of Alicante (12,44 %) and that of the Valencian Community (11,17 %The monthly increase in unemployment has been concentrated mainly in the sector of Construction, with 45 more unemployed people, and in the Services sector, with 28Conversely, unemployment has decreased in industry. Agriculture and among people with no previous economic activity.
Boosting permanent employment contracts
Employment in the Marina Alta region also showed positive growth in July, with new contracts being formalized. 5.854 contracts, a 27,10 % more than in July of 2025Permanent contracts are particularly noteworthy, with 3.645 contracts, an increase in 33,52 % compared to the previous year. Permanent contracts represent the 62,27 % of the total, exceeding the percentage recorded in July of 2025 (59,27 %). In the cumulative total from January to July, the region adds 25.845 contracts, a 19,48 % more than in the same period of 2025, with a growth in permanent employment of 24,08 % versus 10,88 % of the temporary one.
Labor market with conflicting trends
July's data reveals a labor market in the Marina Alta region with two simultaneous trends: on the one hand, employment has reached a new record and hiring remains highly dynamic; on the other, unemployment has experienced a slight monthly increase, although it remains at historically low levels. Monitoring the situation in the coming months will be crucial to determine whether this rise in unemployment is a seasonal fluctuation or whether it foreshadows a shift in the rate of unemployment reduction.
