Work
435 newsThe page turns scattered updates into useful context for people who live in Spain, visit Spain or follow Spanish affairs from abroad.
Assembly line worker denied disability pension after court rules she can still work
A factory worker with chronic joint pain and retinal vein occlusion has lost her bid for permanent disability benefits. Despite multiple medical leaves and documented limitations, the court found she could still perform her main job duties. The ruling clarifies how Spanish law weighs medical evidence against work requirements.
Irish nurseries offer Spanish teachers up to eighteen euros per hour
Irish childcare centers are recruiting Spanish early years teachers with degrees and at least six months’ experience. Contracts run for a year, pay up to eighteen euros per hour, and include relocation support. Applications close November 2026.
Spanish Police in Algeria Admit Harassment, Escape Prison Sentences
Two Spanish police officers stationed in Algeria have confessed to harassing a colleague. One admitted to sexual harassment. Both avoid prison after a plea deal. The case exposes failures in embassy oversight and internal accountability.
Bus Driver Wins €2,522 Monthly Pension After Court Rules Total Disability
A 41-year-old former bus driver in Catalonia has secured a full disability pension after a court ruled his psychiatric condition prevents him from holding any job. The decision highlights how Spanish law distinguishes between partial and absolute incapacity.
Worker Dies After 25-Meter Fall at Road Project in Lanjarón
A road worker died in Lanjarón, Granada, after falling 25 meters from a stone wall. The incident triggered a major emergency response. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances.
Spain Ends Postal Notifications for Sick Leave, Moves to Digital Only
From September, Spain’s Social Security will stop sending sick leave notifications by post. All official communications will now arrive via email or SMS. Workers must respond online or book an appointment for paper copies.
Three Fatal Workplace Accidents in Madrid Linked to Subcontracting
Three workers died in Madrid this year in accidents tied to subcontracted firms. Unions warn that layered contracts weaken safety. Authorities are investigating responsibilities and prevention gaps.
Taking a Holiday While on Sick Leave Can Lead to Dismissal in Spain
Spanish law does not ban travel or leisure activities during sick leave, but certain actions can justify dismissal without compensation. Courts weigh each case against medical advice and the impact on recovery, making the outcome far from automatic.
Spanish Truck Driver Reveals Real Pay and Life on the Road
Laur, a Madrid-based truck driver, opens up about his monthly earnings and the realities of the transport sector in Spain. He explains how pay, work-life balance, and costs vary by region and type of route.
Canary Islands Residents Face Mandatory Digital Notifications for Sick Leave
From September, the INSS will notify Canary Islands residents about sick leave and disability benefits exclusively online. Paper letters will become the exception. Missing a digital notification could have serious consequences.
Fatal Building Collapse in Sariñena Leaves One Dead, Another Trapped
A building under renovation collapsed in Sariñena, Huesca, killing one worker and leaving another trapped. Emergency crews are racing to secure the site and rescue the injured man. The cause remains unknown.
Xaima, 25, Fights for Her Own Truck and a Fairer Road
After leaving healthcare, Xaima earned her truck licenses in just six months and now drives international routes. She speaks out about exhausting workdays, gender stereotypes, and her ambition to own a truck in a male-dominated industry.
Madrid Residents Face Sleepless Nights Amid Summer Noise and Fines
Central Madrid’s summer brings sleepless nights for residents. Noise from street gatherings and construction, strict parking fines, and tourist crowds make daily life difficult. Locals struggle to find relief as city life intensifies.
SEPE Launches Unemployment Subsidy for Workers With Less Than a Year of Contributions
Spain’s SEPE introduces a subsidy for unemployed workers with 90–360 days of contributions. The aid can reach €570 per month and last up to 21 months. Eligibility depends on family status and previous contributions.
Asturian Court Orders €30,000 Compensation for Hairdresser Fired on Sick Leave
A hairdresser in Oviedo was dismissed just five days after beginning sick leave for a work-related illness. The court found the company failed to prove poor performance and raised her compensation for moral damages from €2,625 to €30,000, highlighting new legal standards for workplace discrimination.
Spanish Waiter in Switzerland Turns Campervan Life Into 48-Hour Escapes
Pablo, a Spanish waiter in Switzerland, lives year-round in a compact campervan with his dog Bellota. He organizes his split shifts around her care and uses his two days off each week to travel the country, making the most of his mobile lifestyle.
Las Kellys Warn of Worsening Health Crisis Among Hotel Cleaners
Las Kellys, the association of hotel cleaners, mark 12 years of protests against deteriorating work conditions. They report severe health impacts and blame subcontracting for lower pay and increased vulnerability.
Airbus Backs Down on Office Return After Staff Strike Escalates
Airbus has suspended its plan to require four office days per week after protests at its Getafe site. The dispute reveals how remote work has become a core employment condition, not just a logistical issue.
Industrial Designer in Extremadura Leaves Stable Job to Launch Custom Wood Workshop
Isabel Obreo left her engineering career to open a bespoke carpentry studio in Extremadura. She now crafts solid wood furniture to order, facing challenges in pricing and self-valuation. Her story highlights the risks and rewards of starting over.
Austrian Worker Wins €7,800 After 13 Years of Unpaid Overtime
After being dismissed from his job of 13 years, a 49-year-old Austrian technician secured over €7,800 in unpaid overtime and bonuses. The case highlights the importance of reviewing pay slips and acting quickly to claim outstanding wages.
SEPE Expands ID Options, But Online Unemployment Claims Still Require Cl@ve or Certificate
Spain’s SEPE now recognizes temporary codes and contrast data for identification, but applying for unemployment benefits online still demands a digital certificate, DNIe, or Cl@ve. The change broadens access for some services, yet key procedures remain restricted.
SEPE Opens Access to €570 Unemployment Subsidy with Just 90 Days Worked
Workers in Spain who lose their jobs with as little as 90 days of contributions can now apply for a €570 monthly subsidy. The measure targets those without enough work history for standard unemployment benefits, but strict income and family criteria still apply.
Worker Dies After Dumper Overturns in Madrid’s Tierno Galván Park
A 54-year-old worker died in Madrid’s Enrique Tierno Galván park after his dumper overturned. Emergency teams tried to revive him for 40 minutes. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Spain Sees Surge in Silicosis Cases and €2.5 Million in Fines
Silicosis linked to artificial stone is rising sharply in Spain. Over €2.5 million in fines have been imposed on companies since 2019. Calls for a ban on artificial stone are growing as cases multiply.
Spain to Allow Pensioners to Work as Self-Employed While Receiving 25% of Pension
From August 2026, Spain will introduce a new flexible retirement scheme allowing pensioners to return to self-employment and receive 25% of their pension. The change comes with strict eligibility criteria and aims to modernize the way retirees can combine work and benefits.
Why a Bilbao Bricklayer Says Small €50 Jobs Are Sometimes Worth It
Marcos Silva, a Bilbao-based bricklayer, argues that taking on €50 jobs can make sense during slow periods. He highlights the realities of freelance construction work in Spain, where staying active and covering costs often outweighs waiting for bigger contracts.
SEPE Halts Pension Contributions for Over-52s in Full-Time Jobs
From November 2024, Spaniards over 52 who combine their unemployment subsidy with a full-time job will see SEPE stop contributing to their pension. The change affects how future pensions are calculated and alters the financial landscape for older jobseekers.
Spain Now Counts Up to 3 Years of Family Care Toward Retirement
Spanish workers can now count up to three years spent caring for family members as fully credited toward their state pension. The change, in effect since March 2023, aims to recognize unpaid care work—especially by women—and offers new security for those stepping away from their jobs to support relatives.
Why José and Patri No Longer Live Full-Time in Their Motorhome
After nearly a year living exclusively in a motorhome, José and Patri, online personal trainers from Málaga, have shifted to a hybrid lifestyle. They now divide their time between traveling and a small rented house in Cádiz, reflecting on the realities of life on the road.
EU Launches North Africa Recruitment Drive to Tackle Truck Driver Shortage
Facing a severe shortage of truck drivers, the EU is investing nearly €6 million in a program to train and relocate drivers from Morocco and Egypt to Italy and Romania. Only a third of trainees will be selected for jobs, as the sector struggles to fill over 500,000 vacancies.
Gonzalo Bernardos: Early Retirement at 55 Is Not an Option for Most
Economist Gonzalo Bernardos has warned that retiring at 55, 56 or 57 is nearly impossible under Spain’s current pension laws. Only a handful of exceptional cases qualify, while most workers must wait until at least 65 or face significant reductions.
Pilar García Warns Pension System Faces Strain as Lifespans Rise
Pilar García de la Granja highlights a growing gap in Spain’s pension system, noting that benefits now cover nearly three decades of retirement instead of the original ten. Rising life expectancy and new flexible retirement rules are reshaping the debate.
Spanish Bus Driver Reveals Real Earnings and Daily Trade-Offs
Jordi, a veteran bus driver, shares the realities of his profession: long days, regional pay gaps, and the choice to return home each night over higher international wages. His story highlights the pressures and decisions facing Spain’s drivers.
Ibiza Yacht Captain Sleeps in €4,000 Van to Avoid Sky-High Rents
For six months, José commands a €6 million Jaguar 72 yacht in Ibiza, but at night he returns to a modest van parked near the marina. High rental prices force even well-paid professionals to rethink where—and how—they live on the island.
Spain Updates Hospitality Rules for Extreme Heat: What Changes for Terraces
Spain’s hospitality sector faces new climate safety rules after a landmark agreement between unions and employers. The changes focus on protecting outdoor workers during heatwaves, but do not require automatic terrace closures or introduce new fines.
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