Hoteliers find it "inconceivable" that unemployment in Granada rises. "We all need staff."

According to labor statistics, June saw a rise of unemployment in Andalusia and Granada, which is contrary to national trends. This has caused concern in the tourism industry, which has seen the paradox that while the increase in unemployment appears on paper, in reality, establishments are struggling to find professionals.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Economy published data this Monday that showed Granada has 80,738 people unemployed. This figure represents a 0.32% increase compared to May and a 257 increase in job seekers.

Granada's services sector saw a drop in unemployment, with 187 fewer applications. However, it rose in agriculture (342 more applicants), and in those who have never worked (239).

It is not common for unemployment to rise and workers are scarce. We are all currently looking for staff, particularly on the coast. However, we have difficulty meeting our needs. It is absurd that the unemployment rate in the province has risen and we are short of professionals. "We are either doing something wrong, or we aren't doing it right," said the president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Granada Gregorio Garcia.

Miguel Sanchez, the president of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (CEA), was the spokesman for Granada hoteliers. Sanchez said that it was "strange" that the region's unemployment has risen to 6,345 people in June. This is the only Spanish community that experienced such an increase.

Sanchez stated that "We are all looking to personnel to work," Europa Press collected a statement from Sanchez to Canal Sur.

He reacted accordingly to the unemployment data, which he had seen earlier, and pointed out that the number of people unemployed in Andalusia increased by 6,345 people in June, which implies an increase in 0.84%. This puts the total number of Andalusia residents at 764,802.

Sanchez said that "it cannot be understood" and added that staff are needed "in all areas of the tourism industry", particularly during the peak season. The CEA's Tourism Director has stated that he was "surprised" by the demand for staff in the hospitality, maintenance, and cleaning industries. He pointed out that "and we didn't find it."

Sanchez expressed concern about the current situation and asked for unions and administrations to investigate "how it is possible" that unemployment is increasing in Andalusia. This is especially important considering that tourism indicators have been recovering to levels not seen since 2019. He has accepted that "Something doesn’t add up."