New Proposed Measures to Protect Domestic Workers: Assessing Risks, Providing Training, and Combating Harassment in Spain

In an effort to safeguard the rights of domestic workers, the Ministry of Labor has proposed new measures to protect them. The ministry plans to require individuals who hire domestic workers to evaluate the occupational risks in their homes before employing them. This proposal, which was presented to unions for feedback, includes developing an online tool that will help employers assess these risks at a lower cost than hiring a specialized company for this task. However, unions have raised concerns about the effectiveness of self-assessment and lack of provisions for inspections in homes.

The proposed decree also outlines the employer’s responsibility to provide protection measures for domestic workers, their right to demand training in occupational risks, and the need for medical examinations. Additionally, the ministry plans to develop a protocol to address instances of violence and sexual harassment against this vulnerable group of workers.

In 2022, a decree law was approved in Spain that improved working and Social Security conditions for domestic workers. This included granting them access to unemployment benefits and compensation in case of dismissal. The pending adaptation of occupational risk regulations will be articulated with this new decree if an agreement is reached. The ministry is optimistic about aligning Spain’s labor rights for domestic workers with international standards set by the International Labor Organization.

Overall, these proposed measures aim to enhance protection for domestic workers while addressing specific challenges faced by this group of low-paid professionals working in people’s homes.