According to the latest data from Social Security, the number of workers in ERTE in Spain they exceed 200,000, of which more than 30% have a reduced contract. Due to this situation, the Spanish government included in the last extension of the ERTE a new measure with the purpose of keeping workers in training while they are not working.
The existing modalities of ERTE COVID-19 are kept in the same conditions, until October 31, 2021 and, as of November 1, a new modality called ‘training ERTE’ appears with greater exemptions associated with the provision of training to workers in ERTE.
Within this extension, the Executive of Pedro Sánchez intends to exonerate between 40% – 80% of the ERTE payment, being able to arrive in some cases to 100%. In addition, companies will have an increase in training credit of up to € 425 per worker to train their employees in ERTE or in a reduction in working hours.
These grants will come into force as of November 2021 and they will last until February of next year at least. The executive’s objective is to promote the employability of Spaniards who are currently in ERTE or with a reduction in working hours due to the crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Nuria Saavedra, training specialist at Synergie HRS, “It is vital that, in this situation, companies can carry out training to keep the employee motivated and updated. In this way, by conducting training, the worker increases his capacities and abilities and prepares to be reintegrated in his former company, or in a new one.”.
What you should know about the new training ERTES
With the intention that workers are informed about what to know if they are in a situation of ERTE (or contract reduction) and the company offers training, Synergie Spain’s specialized training division, Synergie HRS, presents five advice that should be taken into account on this matter, to promote employability of the Spaniards who are currently in this situation.
- Why can they put me in training? If the company puts you in training, it is probably doing it for two reasons: First, so that you acquire new knowledge while you are inactive. In this way, when you can rejoin the labor market, you will be more prepared. The second, because the company can get bonuses while you train: it can be considered a win win.
- What benefits does the company get? The exemptions (the fact of getting rid of a load) can be different depending on the company. There are cases in which the organization can save up to 80% in the contribution. Basically, the company receives tax and financial aid in exchange for your training.
- And … who pays for it? An ‘extraordinary contribution’ has been made available through the SEPE Budget so that most of these training courses are covered by the State.
- Until when can I be in training? Although the period that companies have to qualify for tax benefits ends in principle, in February 2022, the period for training is until June.
- And what am I going to have to train on? The objective of this proposal is for the employee to improve as a worker. A priori it will be training related to the job, but the range can be broader and you can train in new areas.
