Promotion of quality employment for all
At a time when social inequalities have widened, Barcelona is committed to carrying out a series of actions and initiatives aimed at promoting citizen well-being, social cohesion and quality employment.
These actions are not only a sign of social commitment but also an investment in the city’s future, with the aspiration to create opportunities for everyone and foster an environment of shared prosperity.
The measures to be implemented for the achievement of these goals are outlined below.
Commitment to quality employment in Barcelona
-
These strategies are structured around the 2021-2030 Barcelona Agreement for Quality Employment (ABOQ) and the 2024-2030 Quality Youth Employment Plan (POJQ), both led and coordinated by Barcelona Activa. These strategies aim to promote the creation of decent and sustainable jobs for all city residents, with a focus on the employment needs of vulnerable social groups and areas of inequality.
The Barcelona Agreement serves as the strategic framework for implementing quality employment policies in Barcelona city for the next decade, while the POJQ outlines measures designed to improve career guidance, professional qualifications and job creation, and foster entrepreneurship among young people in the city.
-
The CreaFeina programme, promoted by Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa, aims to foster talent and business competitiveness by providing economic support for the hiring of new workers. Within this initiative, two key programmes stand out: CreaFeina Investiga, focused on hiring scientific and research personnel, with a special priority on hiring PhDs on permanent contracts, and CreaFeina Impacte, which promotes the hiring of professionals into strategic roles within social impact and social economy organisations. In both cases, companies can receive up to €15,000 for each new contract, with varying amounts depending on the target group of the hired person.
Additionally, CreaFeina includes a specific funding line called CreaFeina Inclusiva, designed to support the hiring of people who are unemployed, particularly those in long-term unemployment, at risk of social exclusion or first-time job seekers. In these cases, companies can access grants of up to €8,000 for each new hire.
-
Comprehensive Programmes with Recruitment (PIC) help people who are unemployed and face greater difficulties in finding work to enter the labour market, especially those in or at risk of social emergency situations. Every year, the City Council hires nearly 500 people, who sign contracts lasting between 6 and 12 months and work on projects across more than 30 municipal areas. This is an active employment policy with strong job placement results: 45% of participants find stable employment within six months.
There are several lines of action within the PIC, such as those targeting participants from the city’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods, specific groups facing inequality or profiles linked to strategic city projects, like recent editions of the Endreça plan. A specific line for young people is also included to enable them to gain their first professional experience.
-
This is an annual event organised by Barcelona Activa and Fira de Barcelona with the involvement of the main stakeholders in the city’s employment ecosystem.
Its main aim is to promote quality employment and help match companies in search of talent with people looking for job opportunities.
The programme includes a wide range of services, activities and resources tailored to take account of the latest trends and technological developments in the job market. In addition to benefiting from personalised career guidance, innovative job search tools and expert advice to enhance their professional profile, attendees have the opportunity to connect with companies offering job openings.
The 2024 edition attracted 9,000 visitors and featured the active participation of over 100 organisations from the world of work.