Although it is a well-established fact that the level of unemployment on the island rises dramatically in October, once the tourist season has ended and staff from hotels, bars and restaurants are left jobless, this year's figures are a stark reminder of the economic crisis.
In the last few years the average increase in unemployment in October has been around 850 persons, but this year has seen 968 people join the dole queue, an increase of 17.3% on September's figures and 7.2% higher than in October 2009, both percentages being far above the Balearic averages of 10.59% and 3.77% respectively. The total number of unemployed people on the island has now risen to 6,577, a figure which is expected to rise still further at the end of the year and could top the 7,000 mark, bearing in mind that last year the figure increased by nearly 800 from October to November.
The unemployment figures have risen considerably over the last three years; from 2,806 in October 2007, to 4,429 the following year and the beginning of the crisis, 6,138 last year and 6,577 this October.
In respect of new contracts, 1,687 were signed in October of which 199 were for indefinite periods and 1,488 temporary, a drop of 11.2% on the number signed last month and 6.7% fewer than in October, 2009, both percentages again being far higher than the averages recorded for the Balearic Islands.