New research shows 43.3 % Spanish workers eating less and worse-quality food

New research presented by the Spanish trade union USO in Badajoz shows that almost half of workers in Spain are buying less food or choosing lower-quality products than in 2021 because of reduced purchasing power. The findings were released ahead of the union’s 13th Confederal Congress and commissioned from IO Investigación to assess how inflation has affected workers’ daily lives.

The study shows a long-term mismatch between wages and prices. While 78.5% of workers say their salary has increased at least once in the past five years, only 32% report three or more increases, meaning most have not had regular annual adjustments. Among those who did receive pay rises, 70% say the increase was below inflation. Spain experienced sharp price rises after the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, particularly in energy and food. Although inflation has slowed from earlier peaks, many essential goods remain significantly more expensive than in 2021.

Food Remains The Most Affected Household Cost

Food is the most heavily impacted area of spending, with 83.4% of respondents identifying it as the category most affected by rising prices. Energy follows at 64.7%, with other areas such as leisure, housing and transport further behind. Official data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute shows strong price increases across basic goods such as olive oil, dairy products, eggs, fruit and vegetables over recent years.

The survey found that 43% of workers have reduced either the quantity or quality of food they consume since 2021. This reflects a wider shift in household behaviour, with many families switching to cheaper products, reducing fresh food intake, and prioritising essential purchases. USO describes this situation as “pobreza salarial”(salary poverty), arguing that working households are increasingly unable to maintain previous consumption levels despite being in employment.

Household Finances Show Widespread Strain

The survey reveals a clear split in financial conditions among workers. Around 20% say they live comfortably at the end of the month, while 46% report managing only “just enough”. A further 33.5% say they struggle to make ends meet.

Financial resilience is also limited. Only 24% of respondents say they are able to save regularly, while just 31.5% could cover an unexpected expense without difficulty. Around 50% have resorted to some form of financing in the last two years to cope with monthly costs. These figures suggest that even among employed people, financial stability is fragile for a significant proportion of households.

Cuts Extend Beyond Food To Energy And Daily Life

The impact of rising costs extends beyond groceries. More than 60% of workers say they spend less on leisure than in 2021, and around half have reduced heating or air conditioning use. Only 11% report unchanged energy consumption.

Around 60% of respondents have reduced leisure spending significantly, while one in four has cut it heavily. These adjustments reflect a broader effort to prioritise essential expenses over comfort and social activities.

The study also highlights reduced savings capacity, with only 24% able to save regularly. In addition, just 31.5% say they could face an unexpected cost without financial difficulty.

Housing And Inequality Deepen Pressure

Housing costs are identified as a key pressure point. While 33.5% of all workers report difficulties making ends meet, this rises to 47.1% among renters. Around 13% of respondents say they have changed their housing situation in the past five years due to financial reasons.

The survey also highlights inequality between men and women. Women report lower rates of salary increases (71.5% compared with 85% for men) and lower savings capacity (42.6% versus 66.4%). They also report higher levels of spending cuts overall.

Growing Reliance On Credit And Financial Support

The research indicates that around half of workers have used some form of financing in the last two years to get through monthly expenses. This includes loans, credit or other external support. Only a small minority report financial comfort, with just over one in five saying they reach the end of the month with ease.

USO argues that these figures show a structural gap between wages and the cost of living, calling for wages to be adjusted more closely to inflation and for wider reforms in housing and taxation.

Long-Term Pressure On Living Standards

Taken together, the results point to sustained pressure on household living standards since 2021. While employment levels remain relatively strong, the survey suggests that many workers are experiencing a gradual reduction in real purchasing power.

The most visible impact is in food consumption, but the effects extend across energy use, savings, housing and overall financial security. For a large share of households, maintaining previous living standards has become increasingly difficult despite continued employment.