The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Wholesale / Retail 47 - Retail trade 47.1 - Non-specialised retail sale 47.11 - Non-specialised retail sale of predominately food, beverages or tobacco
200 jobs Number of planned job creations
Announcement Date
24 September 2025
Employment effect (start)
1 October 2026
Foreseen end date
31 December 2026
Description
The Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona is set to open two new stores in Algarve in the third quarter of 2026. Although the opening is scheduled for next year, the chain has already begun recruiting 200 employees in Portimão and Faro, for positions ranging from supermarket assistants to maintenance technicians.
All new employees will benefit from a paid training period that will start in January 2026 under a permanent employment contract, with salaries starting from the very first day.
During the training period, Mercadona covers all associated expenses — including meals, transport, accommodation, and return trips home every two weeks for all workers.
Mercadona currently operates over 65 supermarkets across 12 districts in Portugal and employs more than 7,000 people.
At the beginning of 2025, the company implemented an 8.5% pay rise for all employees. A daily meal allowance is also guaranteed, as well as extra payments for work on Sundays, public holidays and night shifts.
Employees are also eligible for an annual bonus based on the achievement of individual and company-wide goals. This bonus is equivalent to one extra month’s salary after the first full calendar year, increasing to two extra salaries after four years of service.
Eurofound (2025), Mercadona, Business expansion in Portugal, factsheet number 203469, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203469.
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