Settlements in Spain


Official data on pay settlements in Spain show pay increases this year are running at a slightly higher level than a year ago, but the pick-up has been slow. 


The average pay increase in settlements coming into effect in the first three months of 2018 was 1.53%, compared with 1.23% for the same period in 2017. 


Agreements in Spain typically run over several years, so only a small minority of the increases included in the statistics were actually agreed this year; most reflect deals signed in the past, sometimes several years ago.


Pay growth is slightly higher — at 1.68% — if only deals reached this year are included in the analysis. This is above the current 1.2% rate of inflation (March) but well below the substantial increase called for by the unions.