Workers earning less than minimum wage

RECENT statistics have shed light on the disturbing fact that 42 per cent of workers in the Malaga region are on less than the national minimum wage. 

The newly analysed figures date from between the years of 2008 and 2014 when the recession was at its peak. 

Comisiones Obreras has criticised the situation of local workers by highlighting that this data demonstrates “an increase in poverty and salary insecurity.” 

The data also shows that in 2008 the average salary in the province began to drop. 

Administration and hospitality roles were positions most affected by the financial crisis and where wages were and still are staggeringly low. Wages have fallen by 20 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. People under 25 have suffered the most, with a 41 per cent drop. 

In addition to people earning less than minimum wage, there was also an increase in the numbers of people who found themselves below the poverty threshold, from 32 per cent of Malagueños in 2008 to 36 per cent in 2014. 

The minimum wage in Spain increased to €764 per month in 2016 from €756 per month in 2015. Minimum wages in Spain averaged €644 per month from 1999 until 2016, reaching an all-time high in January 2016.