Youth labor precariousness: persistent challenges despite economic recovery

Labor precariousness among young people remains an alarming concern in society. Despite the progress made in job creation following the pandemic and the labor reforms implemented in 2022, recent data reveals that younger workers continue to face significant challenges. The report "Young People: Precariousness and Difficulty Accessing Housing," prepared by the youth association Ruge, part of the UGT union, highlights that although unemployment rates have decreased, the high proportion of part-time jobs persists as one of the major pending issues. The analysis of the youth labor situation has been encouraging in some aspects, such as the notable job creation, which reached an annual growth of 5% among those under 30, double the national average. Additionally, the youth unemployment rate stands at 19.8%, representing a significant improvement since 2019. However, this reduction has been accompanied by a troubling persistence of part-time work in this demographic, which is still 12% above the overall economy rate. A critical aspect to consider is that while labor reform has led to a 102% increase in permanent contracts among young people, part-time employment remains a reality for one in four young workers. This situation worsens when observing that 36.4% of young people aged 20 to 24 and 57% of adolescents aged 16 to 19 have part-time contracts. These figures reflect a precariousness that directly affects the economic stability and future independence of this group. The report also highlights the reasons behind this high rate of part-time jobs. Currently, 42.4% of young people choose this type of employment to balance it with their studies, a notable increase from the 19% a decade ago. On the other hand, an equally high percentage, 42.3%, is forced to accept part-time jobs because they have not been able to find full-time employment, suggesting a lack of adequate opportunities in the labor market. The current economic context, characterized by rising living costs, has exacerbated the need for many young people to work while studying. At the same time, more than half of young people aged 25 to 29 have not secured full-time work, limiting their ability to become independent and develop long-term life projects. This phenomenon highlights the vulnerability of youth in a labor environment that, although it has improved in some aspects, still presents serious deficiencies. One of the factors underscoring this vulnerability is salary levels. According to the latest available data, the average gross salary for young people is €1,558.3 per month, which equates to an annual income of no more than €18,700. This figure is 27% lower than the national average salary and reveals the difficulty young people face in achieving financial stability that allows them to become independent. Moreover, the inflation crisis of 2021 and 2022 negatively impacted the purchasing power of this group, which, despite an increase in the minimum wage, has suffered a loss of purchasing power. Although labor reforms have managed to reduce temporary employment among young people, the authors of the study emphasize that these improvements are still insufficient to raise the salary conditions of this group. The persistent temporality and high rate of part-time employment are factors that contribute to nearly 80% of those under 26 not reaching the annual full-time minimum wage, increasing the risk of precariousness among youth. With these figures in hand, it is clear that the fight to improve youth employment is far from over. The reliance on part-time jobs and the lack of full-time opportunities are issues that require urgent attention. Young people deserve access to a labor market that not only offers stability but also the possibility of achieving their personal and professional goals. The voice of young people must be heard in the debate about the future of work. The saturation of part-time jobs and the need to improve working conditions are topics that should be on the agenda of policymakers and business leaders. Ultimately, addressing youth labor precariousness is not only a matter of social justice but also an investment in the country’s economic future. The younger generation is the engine of change, and their well-being is crucial for the sustainable development of society.