OCU complain that people who go on the dole are plunged into instability

A study by OCU of the job market in Spain shows how those affected by unemployment have serious difficulties in finding new employment opportunities. The few jobs available are of poor quality and state aid is insufficient. Furthermore, the effects of the crisis and high unemployment also affect those who are in work and who have been forced to adapt to tougher conditions. The results of the study are published in number 402 of the OCU-Compra Maestra magazine for the month of April 2015.

OCU has conducted a survey of 1,111 Spaniards between 18 and 65, representing the Spanish population by age, sex, geographic distribution and education. The survey was completed with a second sample of 1,559 OCU members to go more deeply into certain aspects.

X-ray of unemployment

More than four and a half million people are on the dole in our country. (One million more according to EPA, Encuesta de Población Activa, a survey of the total work force). Almost one in four want to work. This situation affects their daily life in all aspects, including their role as consumers. One of the first findings of the OCU survey is that unemployment affects without major distinctions people of any age and condition throughout the whole country. Another feature is that this is not a temporary situation; more than a third of unemployed respondents have been without work for more than three years.

And it is not because they are not doing anything about it. OCU notes that four out of ten unemployed people have made more than 10 job applications in the last three months. And not only in their professional area, 84% of unemployed people are looking for any kind of job. However only 7 out of every 100 applications receive any reply.

Even receiving a job offer is no guarantee of a minimally decent job. OCU denounces that in over half the cases the salary is low, 889 euros per month on average. 25% were offered a job with a salary of 650 euros and one in five interviews did not even mention that a contract of employment was on offer. The salary offered varies depending on the level of training, 771 euros for those with primary education, 878 for those with secondary education and 1,036 euros for those with higher education. The conclusion is clear, OCU asserts that for the unemployed to be a mileurista is a luxury and insecurity has become firmly established in the lives of those who have lost their jobs or have never even had one. (Mileurista is the Spanish expression for a person who earns less than one thousand euros per month).

In this situation OCU denounces that benefits and subsidies for the unemployed are insufficient. 66% of unemployed people questioned by OCU receive no economic assistance at present, and 34% of the unemployed receiving some dole, receive on average 635 euros. Most of the people surveyed by OCU have a negative opinion of state run job centres. They think the information and support they provide is insufficient and that the number and quality of jobs offered is very poor.

Insecurity extends to employed workers

The impact of the crisis and the ever present image of the unemployment situation have also had effects on workers. The average salary in Spain, according to the responses of those interviewed by OCU is 1,854 euros per month, a luxury compared with the offers the unemployed receive at present. However 27% of workers have seen their wages reduced in the last five years. In addition, more than half of employees work more hours than stated in their contract and 2 out of 3 neither charge nor receive compensation for overtime. OCU notes that according to the data from the survey, having a job at the moment does not guarantee a comfortable life because 21% of people in work have serious economic difficulties.

Effects on health and quality of life

The consequences of job insecurity for workers and the unemployed are clear. Almost three quarters of workers we asked have suffered work-related stress, 35% on a regular basis. According to the OCU survey 20% of workers believe that their work has a negative impact on their health and quality of life as well as on their family, personal and social life. Levels of stress, health and happiness are even worse in the case of the unemployed.

Against this background OCU points out that only a better preparation through training would enable better working conditions. Unemployment is almost twice as high among people with a low level of education as among those with a high level; and the best salaries are in fields that require more preparation.

For more information (media) Eva Jimenez Tel.   917 226 061 prensa@ocu.org