Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, says hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople will be needed to build the infrastructure for artificial intelligence. As Spain already faces shortages in these professions, the surge in data centre construction is set to intensify competition for qualified workers.
Joaquín works just one day a week in Australia, earning €128 for eight hours moving bins between residential buildings. He spends much of his shift driving with air conditioning and music, and says no English is required for the role.
A major change to Spain’s retirement rules will allow pensioners to return to part-time work with impressive financial incentives. Effective August 28, 2026, the new law introduces bonuses of up to 25% for those who meet specific conditions.
A major retail park in Aranjuez is set to open in late 2026, bringing together Mercadona, Lidl, Decathlon and other brands. With 98% of its space leased, more than 350 jobs are expected, and a local job fair will connect residents with employers this September.
A self-employed woman in the Basque Country was denied her pension after 16 years of contributions. The court ruled that her registration in the RETA system ended too late for her to qualify under the old rules, forcing her to wait longer for retirement benefits.
Spanish Social Security expert Alfonso Muñoz explains why some retirees with only 15 years of contributions may receive more in pension benefits than they paid in. Pension caps and minimum supplements, alongside early-retirement rules, help produce this surprising outcome.
Alfredo Becerra began learning the electrical trade at 14 and spent more than 35 years on the job. His career tracks shifts in Spain’s electrical sector, from changing materials and pay gaps to workplace culture, before ending with his retirement in 2016.
Applying for unemployment benefits or subsidies in Spain just became simpler. SEPE now accepts temporary codes and other accessible identification methods, including contrast data, for many procedures, reducing the need for digital certificates and expanding online and phone options.
Andrea Camel, vocalist and dancer for Clan Zero, describes the demands of working in a Spanish orchestra during the summer festival season. From relentless rehearsals to constant travel, she explains how the profession requires year-round commitment and shapes daily life.
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 their wiring before starting major renovations, as outdated systems pose safety and financial risks.
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, while also showing the rules and realities of recycling valuable metals in Spain.
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 are pushing companies to rethink how they protect workers from heat stress.
A 54-year-old worker died after being struck while on duty at the Camp Nou renovation site. This is the first fatal workplace accident since the stadium’s overhaul began in June 2023. Emergency services responded but could not save him.
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 and payment arrangements can shift, while employment status remains uncertain as authorities decide what comes next.
David, a 75-year-old retired plumber, receives just €500 a month after more than five decades of self-employment. His story highlights the financial risks many autónomos face in Spain, where long careers do not always lead to a comfortable retirement.
Carlos Slim proposes a sweeping overhaul of the workweek: three days of 12-hour shifts, unchanged salaries and retirement at 75. His vision contrasts sharply with Mexico’s gradual move toward a 40-hour week, prompting debate over productivity and worker health, with wider implications for employment.
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.
Spain is expected 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.
A workplace accident at Renfe’s Villaverde maintenance base has left one contractor dead and two others injured. The incident is under investigation, amid ongoing concerns about safety at one of Spain’s basic railway facilities.
Employees working beyond their standard hours in Spain are legally entitled to compensation, even if no specific agreement exists. The Statute of Workers requires either payment or paid time off and sets clear deadlines and limits. Here’s what every worker and employer should know.
Spain's absenteeism rate reached a historic 7.6% in 2025, with economic losses totaling €59.1 billion. The postal sector is among the hardest hit, prompting new monitoring measures as companies step up controls to address unjustified absences.
Many people nearing retirement hope that paying into a special Social Security agreement will help them qualify for Spain’s over-52s unemployment subsidy. SEPE confirms that this route alone is not enough and explains what counts when applying for the benefit.
A viral video by an opposition exam instructor has reignited debate over Guardia Civil salaries. Although the official base pay is under €1,000, most officers earn much more through a complex system of bonuses and allowances. Here’s how the numbers add up.
Arturo Rafael Jerónimo Valiente crafts specialized adobe bricks to help protect Chan Chan, the largest mud-brick city on the planet. His expertise, rooted in childhood experience, now supports efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site amid climate and urban threats, including vandalism.
Juan José Martínez, a marble worker with 38 years of experience in Galicia, says orders for marble work remain strong, but the trade faces a critical shortage of young talent and formal training. Without new recruits, the sector risks losing decades of expertise.
Manuel Heredia, 59, works full-time in Sant Andreu de la Barca but has spent more than a year sleeping rough in Cornellà de Llobregat. Despite a permanent contract and steady income, soaring rental costs keep him homeless, a reality facing thousands in Catalonia.
Lorena, a natural medicine therapist, has built a life on the road by turning her camper van into a home and workspace for her therapy and creative work. Her story shows the costs and realities of mobile living, along with the flexibility and challenges of earning a living from anywhere.
Kely García, a Spanish nurse working in Norway, shares the real numbers behind her monthly earnings and savings. She explains how location and experience, along with extra shifts, can push salaries to €5,000, and why her cost of living allows her to save more than she could in Spain.
A retired farmer in La Rioja must repay nearly €47,000 after authorities found he kept managing his agricultural business while receiving a full pension. The court’s decision shows how strictly Spain applies rules on combining retirement benefits with self-employment in farming.
More Spanish municipalities are handing smart wristbands to street cleaners and gardeners. The devices warn of dangerous rises in body temperature, following deadly heatwave incidents and mounting concern for outdoor workers.
Foldable and floating desks are reshaping how people work from home in 2026. Their compact, multifunctional design lets them blend into any room, making them a popular choice for small apartments and multifunctional spaces. The shift reflects changing priorities in modern living.
Retired Guardia Civil officer José Luis discusses how salaries and working conditions have changed for new recruits. His perspective covers pay scales and work-life balance, along with what aspiring officers can expect today.
Alberto Núñez-Feijóo’s remarks on Spain’s sick leave rates have ignited fierce debate. The issue exposes deep political divides and highlights the economic impact of absenteeism on businesses and the state.
A maintenance worker was injured in Zamudio when parts of a wall fell on his legs. The incident occurred at a company in the Kurtze industrial area. Firefighters and medical teams responded quickly to the scene.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso has publicly supported Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s remarks on sick leave and absenteeism. The debate has drawn criticism from unions and political rivals, and now focuses on fraud and workers’ rights, alongside the cost to Spain.
