In Lleida, the typical unemployed person is a woman over 45, with low educational attainment, and who has been out of work for over a year, according to the latest Labour Observatory bulletin for March. The region recorded over 15,600 unemployed individuals at that time.
Women account for six out of ten job seekers in the Ponent counties, a proportion that remains consistent with previous years. This highlights the structural precariousness in sectors predominantly employing women, such as services and care, which are characterised by temporary and part-time contracts. Older women, in particular, face greater difficulties in securing employment.
Ageism also plays a significant role in job searching, with statistics showing that over half of unemployed individuals in the plain counties, 53%, are over 45. This figure rises to 59% in the Alt Pirineu and Aran counties.
Education Levels and Job Market Disconnect
Another key factor defining the current unemployment model is low educational attainment. A large proportion of the unemployed, 79% in the plain counties and 66% in the Alt Pirineu and Aran, possess only primary education or compulsory secondary education. This lack of qualifications limits access to more stable and skilled positions in an increasingly demanding and technologically advanced job market, leaving behind those unable to update their skills. Consequently, half of the unemployed have been searching for work for more than 12 months without success.
Despite Lleida's unemployment rate consistently hovering around 15,000, many businesses report difficulties finding staff to fill vacancies. This suggests a mismatch between labour supply and demand, exacerbated by job segregation. Many in-demand positions are in traditionally male-dominated sectors like construction, transport, and mechanics.
However, female job seekers primarily target the services sector. Changing this paradigm requires various approaches, with a critical one being to encourage women's presence in strategic economic sectors. This aims to reduce gender inequality and better connect businesses with female workers.
Union Representation and Workers' Day Marches
At the end of 2025, UGT was the union with the most representation in Lleida, holding over half (50.2%) of the province's 3,749 delegates, according to a report on union elections from the Generalitat's Department of Business and Labour. Comissions Obreres (CCOO) was second with 38.52% of the total. UGT had 1,882 delegates in Lleida, compared to CCOO's 1,444. Other unions included CGT with 95, USOC with 63, and FETICO with 36 representatives among employees governed by the Workers' Statute.
UGT holds more influence in private companies and regional administration, while CCOO leads in public companies, local administration, and universities. For civil servants, CCOO has the most weight, with 76 delegates out of 280 elected in Lleida, compared to UGT's 43. UGT is the leading union in all counties except Alta Ribagorça, Aran, and Cerdanya, where CCOO leads, and Solsonès, which saw a tie.
Major unions UGT and CCOO will mark Workers' Day in Lleida today with a traditional joint march advocating for peace, dignified wages, and affordable housing. The demonstration starts at 12pm from Plaça del Treball and will conclude at Plaça de la Paeria. CGT and CNT have organised a parallel protest at 11am from Plaça del Treball, ending at Plaça Sant Joan, to defend labour rights, fair wages, and reduced working hours.
