Spain: New Self-employed law will help Britons

Britons working in Spain who are self-employed are set to receive new benefits after a new law was passed. The Statute of Self-employed Work will aim to offer improved working conditions for expatriates, reported Homes Worldwide.

Until now, Britons have been forced to put up with a certain amount of unfair terms, such as no maternity leave, no minimum safety conditions and no sick pay entitlements.

It is hoped that the new government ruling will address these inequalities, something that could help 3 million people in the country.

Now, all workers - whether salaried or self-employed - will be given access to the same rights. Under the law, self-employed men will be entitled to 15 days’ paternity leave while self-employed women will have their maternity rights extended to match those of salaried mothers.

Self-employed workers will receive full unemployment benefit in the event of them losing work as a result of circumstances beyond their control, and will be entitled to sick pay resulting from both illness and accidents.

Self-employed workers in especially dangerous sectors will be entitled to early retirement and minimum health and safety conditions in the workplace will apply.

The bill received equal support from both major political parties in the country.