Increase in labour inspections in 2026: legal implications for businesses
During 2026, the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate significantly stepped up its enforcement activities across Spain, focusing in particular on the monitoring of temporary contracts, the recording of working hours and the correct implementation of remote working.
This increase is due, amongst other factors, to the implementation of Royal Decree-Law 32/2021 of 28 December on labour reform, which amended key aspects of the Workers’ Statute (Royal Legislative Decree 2/2015), limiting the use of temporary contracts and strengthening permanent employment.
Likewise, the obligation to record working hours established in Article 34.9 of the Workers’ Statute remains one of the main focuses of inspection, particularly in companies that do not have reliable or verifiable systems.
With regard to teleworking, Law 10/2021 of 9 July on remote working sets out specific requirements such as the formalisation of written agreements, the reimbursement of expenses and the guarantee of digital rights, the non-compliance with which may result in penalties.
Penalties, regulated by the Law on Offences and Penalties in the Social Order (Royal Legislative Decree 5/2000), can range from €751 to €225,018, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
In this context, it is essential that companies carry out regular labour audits, review their contracts and bring their internal procedures into line with current legislation. Specialist legal advice is a key tool for preventing legal and financial risks.
| RealDecreto 32 2021-Estabilidad Empleo | 363 KB |
