Spanish Public Employment Service

SEPE, also known as the Spanish Public Employment Service, is the national agency responsible for implementing Spain's employment policies. It manages the registration of job seekers, mediates between employers and workers, and administers unemployment benefits and subsidies. The agency operates the public job portal and provides career guidance, training programs, and support for labor market integration. In addition, SEPE oversees the registration of labor contracts and monitors compliance with hiring regulations. Its services are directed at individuals seeking work, companies looking to hire, and public institutions involved in labor regulation.

As an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, SEPE receives its funding from the state budget and reports directly to that ministry. It coordinates with the employment services of the autonomous communities to ensure uniform application of national policies while respecting regional competencies. The agency's governing body includes a president appointed by the Council of Ministers and a management board that represents social partners and regional authorities. This structure enables SEPE to align its operations with broader governmental objectives on employment and social inclusion.

SEPE's distinguishing attribute lies in its dual role as both a provider of direct employment services and the administrator of contributory and non‑contributory unemployment protection schemes. This combination enables the agency to link benefit delivery with active labor market measures such as training subsidies, hiring incentives, and vocational guidance. SEPE also manages the Sistema de Protección por Desempleo, which funds unemployment payments and related social protections. Its digital infrastructure includes the online portal where users can file claims, consult job offers, and access training resources. The 2021 Ryuk ransomware attack highlighted the importance of this infrastructure, as the encryption of files disrupted the website and forced a temporary suspension of online services while recovery efforts proceeded.

SEPE operates through a network of provincial and local offices that provide face‑to‑face assistance to citizens across the Spanish territory. These offices complement the online services by offering personalized counseling, job‑matching events, and support for entrepreneurship initiatives. The agency also contributes to the production of labor market statistics that inform national and European policy debates. By integrating service delivery, benefit administration, and policy support, SEPE functions as a central node in Spain's employment ecosystem.