"We have a moral obligation not to forget long-term unemployed people"

How do you currently see the situation of employment in the Balearic Islands?

Right now, we have a situation of almost full employment, because we believe that everyone who wants to work can do so. However, we’re concerned about residual unemployment, especially among those facing the greatest difficulties, such as the long-term unemployed. Four out of ten are in this group, which is why the SOIB has set up an intensive follow-up plan with interviews, training, support and personal assistance to help them integrate into the labour market.

What are the priorities for boosting employment on the islands?

Our priority is to maintain full employment without forgetting the most vulnerable groups: young people, women, victims of gender violence, the over 45s and people with disabilities. We’re preparing the Quality Employment Plan 2026–2028 based on five main pillars: intensive monitoring of the long-term unemployed, ongoing training and qualification in emerging sectors (such as digitalisation, green economy or social and health services), diversification of the production model to make it less seasonal, support for vulnerable groups through specific schemes and promotion of stable, decent employment. We want contracts for longer periods, fair wages and conditions that guarantee work-life balance. In short, we want quality employment in the Balearic Islands.

In 2018, one of the sustainable tourism tax projects focused on long-term employment. What’s your assessment of this type of initiative?

These projects speak for themselves. They’re very valuable to us, and the results prove just how useful they are. All projects must be evaluated, because only then can they be deemed a success or failure. It’s this constant evaluation that allows us to improve.

In 2025, the Intensive Monitoring (SI) Plan was implemented, which seeks similar objectives. What are the results?

The SI Plan began as a pilot project which sought to carry out 1,000 assessments and 600 interviews. By 31 August, we’d already exceeded those figures: 1,119 assessments and 743 personal interviews, 123% of what we expected. If we also count third sector organisations, the results are even better. We expect to end the year having assisted around 2,500 people. Our aim is to provide all long-term unemployed people with an assessment and a personal pathway, as we have a moral obligation not to forget people with experience. We can’t wait for them to come to us for help; we must go to them and support them in their reintegration process.

Why’s it so important to get these people back into work?

Because they’re essential. It’s not just a financial issue: many of them have lost skills, contacts and confidence. Leaving them behind would mean losing valuable human capital. For this reason, in addition to the SI plan, we’ve launched a ‘training cheque’, which allows access to courses in different fields such as construction, emerging technologies, the green economy and care for dependent persons. The aim is to allow them to retrain, switch industries and get their self-esteem back. It’s not enough to say ‘we must help’, we have to provide real tools and support.

What factors influence falling into long-term unemployment?

There are several: low skill level, educational mismatch, technological changes, age, family responsibilities, disability and health problems. The seasonal nature of the Balearic labour market also plays a role. Over time, people become disconnected from the market, lose contacts and miss updates, making it difficult for them to return. Someone at the age of 45 is fully capable, but the system often doesn’t see it that way, and that needs to change.

What’s the key to reintegrating them into the labour market?

It’s important to take a personal approach, listen to companies and adapt training to current demands. We’re committed to dual training, learning while working, and incentivising recruitment. For example, through the Joves Qualificats scheme, we finance the salary and social security contributions of young people hired by self-employed people for one year. We also promote measures for work-life balance and self-esteem building. The main thing is that they know they’re there and that we want them to come back.

What’s the role of social organisations in this process?

They’re fundamental. The SOIB works closely with the Balearic Government, island councils, town councils, companies and third sector organisations. They’re the ones working on the ground and who know best what the most vulnerable groups need. Their proximity means these programmes reach where they’re most needed.

What new lines of action are being considered?

We’re launching a second round of the SI Plan, another Qualificats scheme aimed at young people and seniors, dual training and employment programmes, social public procurement through local councils and third sector organisations, and incentives for stable employment in private companies. We’ll also continue with the SOIB Jove, SOIB Dona and SOIB Impulsa schemes, replacing the former SOIB Reactiva, tailored to the current context of full employment. We want to keep offering ongoing training and promote strategic industries that promise stability.

How do you imagine the future of employment in the Balearic Islands?

I am optimistic. We’re close to full employment, but the challenge is to achieve a model based on quality and diversification. We want stable contracts, decent wages and working conditions in line with the economic position of the islands. We must increase support for the most vulnerable groups so that no one is left behind, and keep focusing on emerging industries such as digitalisation, the green economy, social services and health services. In short, stable and quality work for all.