Congreso aprueba cuota cero para autónomos enfermos graves

Spain’s Congress of Deputies has voted to request the government implement a zero-fee system for self-employed workers facing serious illness, with only the PSOE party voting against the measure and Vox abstaining. The proposal, initially put forward by ERC, stemmed from an urgent interpellation of Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, regarding the status of workers within the RETA (Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers).

Legislative Action and Key Proposals

The original ERC motion contained 13 measures. One key proposal, to increase fees for self-employed individuals earning over 6,000 euros monthly, was rejected by the PSOE, Vox, and abstaining PP votes. Other initiatives that failed to gain approval included funding a reduced fee for self-employed workers earning below the minimum wage and establishing regulations for Economically Dependent Self-Employed Workers (TRADE), including a mandatory contract registry and entitlement to unemployment benefits.

Did You Know? Eight of the thirteen measures initially proposed by ERC ultimately passed, some despite opposition from the PSOE.

Despite the rejections, eight measures did pass, including the zero-fee provision for seriously ill self-employed workers, coupled with proposals for subsidies to cover the cost of substitute workers, as reported by Europa Press. ERC’s proposal to prevent double contributions for self-employed individuals engaged in multiple activities, simplify administrative processes, and establish reduced fees for secondary self-employment activities also faced opposition from the PSOE.

Expanding Social Protections

With the abstention of the PSOE and Vox, the Congress also approved a request to align benefits for self-employed workers with those of employed workers in cases of illness, maternity, paternity, breastfeeding, and care for seriously ill children. The PSOE did support proposals to include representative organizations of self-employed workers in the Economic and Social Council, strengthen the prosecution of fraudulent self-employment practices, and create a subsidy for self-employed individuals over 52 years of age, mirroring existing benefits for employees.

Expert Insight: The passage of these measures, even with partisan divisions, signals a growing recognition of the need to address the vulnerabilities faced by self-employed workers, who often lack the social safety nets available to traditional employees. The focus on aligning benefits and addressing economic dependencies represents a potential shift in policy towards greater equity within the labour market.

Further proposals gaining support included improving the cessation of activity benefit to function more effectively as unemployment assistance and implementing a “real and progressive” contribution system based on actual income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary outcome of the Congressional vote?

The Congress of Deputies voted to request the government implement a zero-fee system for self-employed workers facing serious illness, with the PSOE as the sole opposing vote and Vox abstaining.

Which proposals related to self-employed worker fees were rejected?

A proposal to increase fees for self-employed individuals earning over 6,000 euros monthly was rejected, as were initiatives to fund reduced fees for those earning below the minimum wage and regulate TRADE workers.

What other benefits are being considered for self-employed workers?

The Congress approved a request to align benefits for self-employed workers with those of employed workers in cases of illness, maternity, paternity, breastfeeding, and care for seriously ill children, as well as a subsidy for those over 52.

How might these changes impact the future of self-employment in Spain?

Congreso aprueba cuota cero para autónomos enfermos graves | ERC