The surge in unemployment in recession-hit Spain eased in July, official statistics showed yesterday, but the rate was still almost twice the eurozone average at nearly 18 per cent.

The national statistics institute Ine, which has a different calculation method from the government, said unemployment rose to a new record of 17.92 per cent in July, with 4.1 million people out of work.

The rate of increase in Ine's estimate slowed from previous months, however, having surged from just under 14 per cent to more than 17 per cent from December to March.

The government's latest figures show unemployment falling in May and June.

Spain entered recession in late 2008.

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