| In fact, the implicit relation between a long working | | | | The Spanish GNP per inhabitant is 95% of the |
| week and a lower than average productivity needs | | | | average EU level, in between Italy (107%) and |
| some more explanation. | | | | Cyprus (83%). |
| A normal effect of a rise in productivity is one that is | | | | Yet this situation provides a lot of opportunities for |
| accompanied with a lower participation ratio. While | | | | growth, and apparently, the average growth rate of |
| the output remains the same, less (human) resources | | | | the GNP of Spain is 2.4% whereas the average of |
| will be able to produce the same output. This is | | | | the EU is only 0.8%. |
| achieved by introducing more technology for example | | | | ( |
| through the use of information systems, automation | | | | #search=%22productividad%20espana%20INE%22) |
| of processes, etc. | | | | This is why the Spanish stock exchange outperforms |
| To employ the same workforce an economy would | | | | the other European exchanges. Enough opportunities |
| reduce the working week by means of legislation, in | | | | thus... |
| which case the effect on unemployment is minimized. | | | | According to the secretary general of the UGT |
| Spain is the fifth largest economy in Europe with a | | | | (union of workers) Cándido Méndez, |
| Gross National Product (GNP) of 743 billion euro, | | | | the low productivity (in Spain) can not be imputed on |
| representing 7.6 percent of the GNP of the EU. | | | | the workers "but on formation and technological |
| Higher ranked are the countries Germany (with a | | | | problems in this country" ( This is probably correct, |
| 21,8% of the European GNP), The UK (16,3%), | | | | but then; the next question is, how will the increase |
| France (16%) and Italy (13,3%). | | | | in productivity be established? |