Spain bans job dismissals linked to crippling energy prices
The Spanish government on Tuesday banned firms which get state aid to deal with the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine from firing workers over rising energy prices.
Like the rest of Europe, Spain has been grappling since last year with soaring energy prices which helped push inflation in February to its highest level in over 30 years.
Job terminations will be deemed "unjustified when they are the result of causes linked to the rise in energy costs," Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz told a news conference.
"I want to send a clear message to business leaders in our country: during a crisis, when social protection mechanisms exist...we must not lay off," she added following a weekly cabinet meeting.
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government approved Tuesday plans to offer €16 billion ($17.5 billion) in direct aid and loans for companies and households hit by the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The measures, which will remain in place until June 30th, include a discount of 20 cents per litre of fuel, with the government paying 15 cents and fuel providers the rest.
It also includes a €362-million aid package for the agriculture and farming sector, €68 million for the fishing and aquaculture industries and a two percent cap on rental increases.
The plan also provides funding for a furlough scheme to help struggling firms avoid job cuts like the one put in place in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and which will end on March 31st.
"It would make no sense for us to spend public money by paying salaries and social contributions to then allow (companies) to lay off," said Diaz, who belongs to far-left party Podemos.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the Spanish government also banned companies which received state aid to furlough workers from dismissing staff.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED - The plan to lessen Ukraine war impact on Spain's economy
Comments
See Also
Like the rest of Europe, Spain has been grappling since last year with soaring energy prices which helped push inflation in February to its highest level in over 30 years.
Job terminations will be deemed "unjustified when they are the result of causes linked to the rise in energy costs," Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz told a news conference.
"I want to send a clear message to business leaders in our country: during a crisis, when social protection mechanisms exist...we must not lay off," she added following a weekly cabinet meeting.
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government approved Tuesday plans to offer €16 billion ($17.5 billion) in direct aid and loans for companies and households hit by the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The measures, which will remain in place until June 30th, include a discount of 20 cents per litre of fuel, with the government paying 15 cents and fuel providers the rest.
It also includes a €362-million aid package for the agriculture and farming sector, €68 million for the fishing and aquaculture industries and a two percent cap on rental increases.
The plan also provides funding for a furlough scheme to help struggling firms avoid job cuts like the one put in place in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and which will end on March 31st.
"It would make no sense for us to spend public money by paying salaries and social contributions to then allow (companies) to lay off," said Diaz, who belongs to far-left party Podemos.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the Spanish government also banned companies which received state aid to furlough workers from dismissing staff.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED - The plan to lessen Ukraine war impact on Spain's economy
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.