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Critical 24 Hours for Ávila and Madrid as Wildfires Threaten Thousands
Wildfires in Ávila, Toledo, and Madrid have forced over 90,000 evacuations. Authorities race to contain the flames before a new heatwave. The government prepares emergency measures for affected workers and regions.
Rookie Firefighter Faces Madrid’s Worst Wildfire in Decades
A young firefighter describes the intensity of Madrid’s largest wildfire. Night shifts, destroyed landscapes, and the drive to return to the front lines shape his first year in a permanent post.
SEPE Unveils Easier Online and Phone Access for Unemployed
Applying for unemployment or subsidies in Spain just became simpler. SEPE now accepts temporary codes, contrast data, and other accessible identification methods for many procedures, reducing the need for digital certificates and expanding online and phone options.
Barcelona Court Upholds Dismissal of TMB Compliance Director for Harassment
A Barcelona judge has validated the dismissal of Carmen Macías, former compliance director at TMB, for workplace harassment. The court rejected claims her firing was retaliation for probing allegations against other executives.
Why Choosing a University Degree at 17 Is So Fraught in Spain
Thousands of Spanish teenagers face intense pressure when selecting a university degree after Selectividad. Family expectations, job market fears and limited career guidance often push students into fields that don’t match their interests, leading to high dropout and degree-switch rates.
Electricians Warn: Full Rewiring of Old Homes Now Tops €6,000
Completely updating the electrical system in an older Spanish home can now cost between €3,600 and €6,500, with some projects nearing €7,000. Experts urge homeowners to assess wiring before starting major renovations, as outdated systems pose safety and financial risks.
Spain’s Youngest Female Truck Driver Breaks Barriers at 22
Andrea García Cano, just 22, is Spain’s youngest female truck driver. She shares how she navigates the risks of day and night driving, why she chose this path, and what needs to change in the industry.
Why Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Are Disappearing in Spanish Hotels
Hotel guests in Spain are finding it harder to secure early check-in or late check-out. Behind this shift are stricter cleaning routines, increased pressure on housekeeping staff, and the rise of paid flexibility. The result: less time in your room, unless you pay extra or book direct.
Madrid Wildland Firefighters Clash With Regional Government Amid Crisis
Sixty Madrid wildland firefighters accuse the regional government of sidelining them during a national emergency. Officials respond with threats of legal action, deepening a three-year labor conflict. The standoff exposes critical gaps in emergency response.
One Day, €1,588: The Hidden Value of Copper in Home Renovations
A Madrid plumber earned €1,588 in a single day by selling copper pipes removed during a full home renovation. The story highlights how old installations can turn into unexpected profit, but also exposes the rules and realities behind recycling valuable metals in Spain.
Zeeman to Close 13 Stores in Spain After Final ERE Deal
Zeeman will shut 13 stores across Spain following an agreement with unions on collective layoffs. The deal reduces the number of closures, secures higher compensation for affected staff, and introduces support measures for older employees.
Murcia Builder Reveals the Reality of Working in 40°C Heat
When the mercury climbs past 40°C, construction work in Murcia becomes a test of endurance and safety. Veteran builder Paco Nicolás describes the daily risks, while new regulations and local initiatives push companies to rethink how they protect workers from heat stress.
Spanish Civil Servants Can Now Work Up to Age 70—But It’s Not Automatic
Civil servants in Spain reaching mandatory retirement can apply to extend their service until 70. The decision rests with the administration, which must justify any refusal. The process is not automatic and depends on specific regulations and individual circumstances.
Geely Invests €221 Million for 34% Stake in Almussafes Joint Venture
Geely has acquired a 34% stake in a new joint venture with Ford for the Almussafes plant. The deal values the company at €650 million. The partnership will impact production and jobs in Valencia.
Worker Dies in Fatal Accident During Camp Nou Renovation
A 54-year-old worker lost his life after being struck while on duty at the Camp Nou renovation site. This marks the first fatal workplace accident since the stadium’s overhaul began in June 2023. Emergency services responded but could not save him.
Catalan Government to Pay €617,000 to Families of Aspa Rural Agents
The Generalitat will pay €617,473 to the families of two rural agents killed in Aspa in 2017. The decision follows a legal battle over state responsibility for workplace safety. The compensation covers the outstanding amount set by the court.
What Really Happens After 18 Months on Medical Leave in Spain
Spanish workers on long-term medical leave are not required to return to their jobs after 18 months unless they receive an official decision from Social Security. The process, payment, and employment status all shift during this uncertain period, leaving many in limbo while authorities decide their future.
Spain Races to Clear Backlog as Migration Cases Near 1.2 Million
Spain’s migration authorities call in extranjería offices to tackle a surge in regularization requests. Nearly 1.2 million migrants await decisions. Delays threaten legal status and jobs as deadlines loom.
Retired Plumber Faces Life on €500 Pension After 50 Years of Self-Employment
David, a 75-year-old retired plumber, receives just €500 a month after more than five decades as a self-employed worker. His story highlights the financial risks many autónomos face in Spain, where long careers do not always translate into comfortable retirements.
What It Really Costs to Open a Specialty Café in Spain
A specialty café in Viladecans, Barcelona, required €105,000 to launch. Owner Lorena reveals how much she earned, what she spent, and why breaking even is tougher than it looks. Her story offers a rare, detailed look at the economics behind Spain’s independent coffee scene.
Catalan Court Orders Pensioner to Repay €32,857 After 680 Days Abroad
A woman in Catalonia must return over €32,000 after Social Security found she spent nearly two years in Morocco and exceeded income limits. The court upheld the pension’s cancellation, highlighting strict residency and financial rules for non-contributory disability benefits.
Japan's Biggest Employers Dismantle Barriers to Women's Careers
Facing a looming shortfall of 11 million workers by 2040, Japanese giants like MUFG Bank and Nippon Life are overhauling outdated job categories that kept women in low-paid, dead-end roles. The move signals a shift in how Japan values female talent amid a deepening demographic crisis.
Carlos Slim’s Radical Plan: Three-Day Workweek, Same Pay, Later Retirement
Carlos Slim proposes a sweeping overhaul of the workweek: three days of 12-hour shifts, unchanged salaries, and retirement at 75. His vision stands in sharp contrast to Mexico’s gradual move toward a 40-hour week, sparking debate over productivity, worker health, and the future of employment.
Yolanda Díaz Nominated by Government to Lead International Labour Organization
The Spanish government has officially nominated Yolanda Díaz to head the International Labour Organization. If elected, she would be the first woman and Spaniard in this role. The decision sets up a direct contest with current director Gilbert F. Houngbo.
Five Skilled Trades in Spain Now Outpay Many University Jobs
Truck drivers, electricians, welders, plumbers, and mechanics are seeing rising demand and salaries in Spain. As companies struggle to fill these roles, technical expertise and experience can now lead to higher earnings than many university graduates.
Summer Surge: 800,000 Temporary Jobs Open Up for Young People in Spain
Spain is set to see 800,000 temporary contracts signed during the 2026 summer season, up 12% from last year. Most positions target young people, with wages for some roles reaching €1,700. The boom is driven by tourism, hospitality and retail.
Having Children Can Boost Your Spanish Pension by Over €200 a Month
Spanish Social Security now offers significant pension increases for parents, with new bonuses for child care periods and a gender gap supplement. These measures, set to expand in 2026, can add years to your contribution record and over €200 monthly to your retirement income.
Fatal Accident at Renfe Maintenance Base in Villaverde Leaves One Dead
A deadly workplace accident at Renfe’s Villaverde maintenance base has left one contractor dead and two others injured. The incident, now under investigation, highlights ongoing safety concerns at one of Spain’s key railway facilities.
How a British Couple Retired in Their 30s by Saving Relentlessly
Alan and Katie Donegan left their jobs at 35 and 40 after saving and investing nearly all their income for ten years. Their story highlights both the promise and the limits of the FIRE movement, as well as the personal sacrifices required to achieve early retirement.
Catalonia’s Renewable Energy Share Drops as Imports from Aragón Surge
Catalonia is importing more electricity from Aragón than it generates from renewables. The region’s green energy share fell to 15.3% in 2025, widening the gap to its 2030 targets. Nuclear remains dominant.
Spanish Law Clarifies How Overtime Must Be Compensated Without an Agreement
Employees working beyond their standard hours in Spain are legally entitled to compensation, even if no specific agreement exists. The Statute of Workers mandates either payment or paid time off, with clear deadlines and limits. Here’s what every worker and employer should know.
Valencian Pensioner Wins Legal Battle Over SEPE Subsidy Error
A retired man from Valencia will not have to return over €20,000 in unemployment subsidies after a court found the error was solely administrative. The ruling highlights the limits of state claims when citizens act transparently and in good faith.
Spain’s Youngest Female Trucker Defies Stereotypes at 22
Andrea García Cano, at just 22, is Spain’s youngest female heavy truck driver. Her practical mindset, technical rigor, and determination challenge industry norms and inspire a new generation in logistics.
Early Retirement in Spain: Pensions Cut by Up to 17% Despite Long Careers
Spanish workers with over 41 years of contributions can still see their pensions permanently reduced by up to 17% if they retire early. The size of the cut depends on how many months before the legal age retirement begins, with penalties lasting for life.
Madrid Becomes First Region Where Most Vocational Students Attend Private Schools
Madrid now leads Spain in vocational education privatization. More than half of students are in private centers. Over 60,000 young people were left without a public place for 2024–2025, raising concerns about access and cost.
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