The Labor Inspection warns that companies will face sanctions for dismissals after the trial period

The Ministry of Labor announces a rigorous campaign against companies that fire workers at the end of the trial period

In a recent report, The Spanish Ministry of Labor has highlighted an alarming increase in the number of dismissals of workers at the end of their trial period, especially after the implementation of labor reform. This phenomenon has grown exponentially, reaching figures that raise concern and have motivated a vigorous response from the authorities.

From the labor reform that came into force in 2022, an inappropriate use of the trial period in employment contracts has been observed. Originally designed as a stage for evaluate the worker's suitability for the position and to the culture of the company, this period is being manipulated by some employers as a method to terminate employment relationships without incurring additional costs such as compensation.

La Labor Inspection, upon detecting that the number of dismissals during or at the end of this period had increased up to 848% in May 2022 compared to the months before the reform, has decided to act. There have been cases where workers are fired exactly after completing the six-month trial, without a valid justification beyond not passing said phase.

This situation has raised suspicions of possible labor breaches, especially when the affected employees, in some cases, had previously worked for the same company, performing the same functions. Given these facts, The Ministry has announced that it will not limit itself to warning or recommending, but will impose direct sanctions on companies that engage in these practices.

Implications of sanctions and the impact on the business community

The Government's plan not only seeks to sanction companies that abuse the trial period, but also to educate and emphasize the importance of a respectful and fair work ethic. The promised sanctions are part of a broader effort to ensure that workers' rights are prioritized and that job stability is not compromised by tactics that distort current labor laws.

The impact of this campaign is expected to reverberate through the business fabric, promoting a change in hiring practices and overall work culture. Companies will be more vigilant and, hopefully, move towards more ethical and sustainable practices in human resource management.

Finally, it is crucial that both workers and employers are fully informed about their rights and obligations. Information and education will be key to ensuring that improvements in labor legislation fulfill their purpose of protecting workers and promoting a fair and equitable work environment.

A fairer and more regulated future of work

Before this panorama, It is anticipated that the actions of the Ministry of Labor can serve as a strong reminder of the seriousness with which the Spanish government takes the protection of labor rights. While sanctions are a punitive measure, the underlying goal is to foster a work environment where respect and fairness are not optional, but essential.

This campaign is not only a response to an alarming situation, but also a step towards the consolidation of a labor market where precariousness is the exception and not the norm. The workers of Bizkaia and all of Spain will be able to look towards a future where their rights are not only recognized, but vehemently defended.