The move comes as Spain returns to unemployment levels seen only before in the 80’s, in the times of Felipe Gonzalez. This time round make no mistake, the crisis is real and it is here to stay. Eurostat has ranked Spain at the top of the list in unemployment, with an astounding 10.4% and climbing.

When asked what measures the administration was willing to take, the Minister of Labour, Celestino Corbacho, made reference to a prohibition or complete eradication of contracts coming from foreign nations. While this may sound like a drastic measure, the plan only contemplates annual contracts (non-seasonal), and is promised to only affect a small number of foreign employees in Spain, a measly 5,000 employees.

The plan also excludes any foreign workers originating from countries which enjoy special protection under international agreements (these include Senegal, Morocco, Mauritania, Cape Green and Ghana). So how do we expect to create more jobs if we are only eliminating a miniscule percentage of jobs that could be occupied by Spanish nationals?

From a positive perspective, President Zapatero has decided to freeze all salaries of public servants. At least someone is willing to take the bull by the horns. But the measure has been a long time coming and may prove to be too little, way too late.

But the buck does not stop there. In a special press conference, called yesterday September 4th, the head of the ECB announced a revision of the expected growth rates for the European Union, lowering previous optimistic forecasts significantly and even qualifying the economic situation in Spain as one of recession.

So how are jobs really created? Jobs are created by new business, new business ideas, innovation, and strong-minded business leaders that are willing to venture into unsettled waters.

We can no longer rely on governments and public entities to bail us out of a desperate economic situation. Chances are if you are in a desparate economic situation, you have no one else to blame but yourself, your lack of vision, your lack of business prowess or your poor lack of judgement, or maybe just bad luck!

From a positive standpoint, enough griping. Let’s make some positive, fruitful decisions. Time to get back on your feet and make a move. If you are unhappy with the present situation, make a change. If you find yourself constantly looking at your wallet, at your bank account, why not think about ways of making more money, and count on your own instincts? Times of crisis are important moments in history. They always bring out the best and the worst. We need to focus on the best, get through the worst, and make it work for as many of us as possible.

Photo credit: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/242263471_c7ad7049e8.jpg?v=0