ERTES and furloughing for 'autonómos' can continue in Spain until September

The government has said that furloughing schemes for workers (ERTEs) and for the self-employed can be extended to the end of September in cases of force majeure ('fuerza mayor'). The generous conditions, which see the state picking up social security quotas as well as paying out unemployment benefits because of Covid-19, were originally due to expire at the end of June.

However on Thursday it was announced that unions and employers had reached agreement with ministers to extend ERTEs to September where a firm cannot put its staff back to work. In return, firms will be asked to pay more of the social security contributions each month on a rising scale. Company bosses had wanted a December extension for the worst-hit workers.

In addition, 'autonómos' (self-employed) can extend to September, the government added. Seasonal self-employed have now also been included in the scheme.