PROPERTY SEARCH
PROPERTY SEARCH
If you have a cleaner for your house in Spain, you need to complete a risk assessment this week
The new rules for domestic workers come into effect across Spain this Friday November 14, and there are big fines for non-compliance
In September last year, Spain approved new legislation aimed at guaranteeing that domestic workers are protected against the dangers and hazards associated with their jobs, just like all other employees.
Now, employers of cleaners, even those in private homes, must complete an occupational risk assessment for their staff by Friday November 14.
According to sources at the Ministry of Labour, the fine for failing to conduct a risk assessment for domestic workers starts at €2,451 if there are no aggravating circumstances. If aggravating circumstances exist, the penalty will range from €24,586 to €49,180.
The procedure, which will impact more than 350,000 households across Spain that employ cleaners, is being spearheaded by Minister of Labour, Yolanda Díaz.
Incidentally, Minister Díaz is also taking aim at alleged staff abuses by several tech giants including Amazon, and the government is planning a series of check on their Spanish facilities, including the logistics centre in Corvera.
The risk assessment, which is free of charge, will need to be completed online by the employer through the Prevención10.es website. It’s intended to be straight-forward and cover all the tasks and duties entrusted to both live-in and shift workers. The staff themselves will also have access to a new online tool that allows them to self-assess their working conditions.
As for the workplace assessment itself, potential risks within the home will be identified through a series of questions, and the online platform will then suggest improvements that can be implemented to mitigate them.
Employees will have to state who is responsible for actioning these measure and provide a time frame for their completion.
The risks are colour-coded; those marked in red require immediate priority for preventative measures because they jeopardise the lives or safety of the workers.
Once the questionnaire is completed and the assessment is validated, the system provides an editable risk document with employer data. One copy must be given to the worker and another must be kept at the home, in case it is requested during a labour inspection.
The authorities have also posted different useful materials, like fact sheets explaining personal protective equipment (PPE), an interactive tutorial on preventive measures and guidance on how to conduct the risk assessment, on the Prevención10.es website.
There is also a dedicated phone line, 'Stop Workplace Risks,' to answer any questions you may have. The number is 91 3634300 and it is available on weekdays from 9am to 2pm.
Image: Freepik
Address
Main office : Avda. Doctor Meca, 107 local 3 30860 Puerto de Mazarron Murcia - EspanaTel: (00 34) 968 595826 Pto Mazarron
PALS Solicitor for the most trusted tax, conveyancing and inheritance advice in the Costa Cálida
Multi-lingual staff provide help for both residents and non-residents at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón
With over 20 years of experience in helping both residents and non-residents in the Costa Cálida with all of their conveyancing, tax, inheritance and family law needs, the team at PALS Solicitor have become one of the most trusted and reliable in the Region of Murcia.
The multi-lingual staff at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón bring a wealth of knowledge and the wisdom which can only be gained through years of experience to the task of assisting you in a precise, efficient, measured and friendly manner, whether it is in managing your tax burden, completing the sale or purchase of a property, ensuring that you have a valid will to cover your assets in Spain or any other of the numerous obstacles and hurdles that living in Spain sometimes seems to entail.
The vision of PALS (Professional and Legal Solutions) is to offer the most inclusive tax and law services in Murcia, always providing clear and affordable advice in order to take the hassle out of what could otherwise be daunting paperwork and bureaucracy. The languages spoken by the experts at PALS include not only Spanish and English but also French, German, Dutch and Swedish, making them accessible to the vast majority of non-Spaniards with interests in the Costa Cálida.
The main services offered include the following:
Property law and conveyancing
PALS have dealt with countless property sales and purchases over the years, but their services regarding property are not limited to the conveyancing side. They can also help in finding the right property, arranging finance‚ securing an NIE number, opening a Spanish bank account, ensuring Due Diligence, overcoming the potential difficulties after Brexit (such as the requirement for British nationals to obtain a military permit if buying certain properties in the Costa Cálida!) and even helping to organize repairs and refurbishments once the property is yours!
And in completing transactions, PALS accompany you to the notary to check the deeds before signing, make all the arrangements for tax obligations to be correctly met, and register the deeds with Land Registry.
The team also have experience in dealing with the controversial mortgage rate “floor clauses” which were included in many loan conditions in the past, protecting clients’ interests against lending banks.
In addition, if you plan to rent out your Spanish home it is vital to make sure you do so legally, and again PALS can help you to put everything in place quickly, easily and with the minimum hassle.
Tax and Accounting
Taxation in Spain can be a complex topic, and at a time when the current Spanish tax system is regularly subject to review on issues surrounding Brexit, globalisation, and even the popularity of cryptocurrency, it is especially important to make sure that your affairs are up to date with the latest requirements.
PALS will take care of all the legalities regarding fiscal residence in Spain, legal tax obligations for both residents and non-residents and property taxes, guaranteeing that tax declarations are filed on time and no surcharges or other unpleasant surprises are incurred.
Inheritance and Wills
Arranging a will and inheritance for your estate in Spain is of the utmost importance, but many people fail to make proper provision for the distribution of their assets.
At PALS, making a will could not be easier: simply explain your preferences to the staff and they will produce the necessary document – in two languages if required – leaving you with nothing more to do except sign it before a notary.
Power of Attorney Service/Representation
If you plan to be absent from Spain for long periods, of if you simply want to do away with much of the stress of buying and owning property in Spain, why not let PALS help you?
Many clients take advantage of PALS’ "Power of Attorney," allowing them represent their interests.
Other legal advice
PALS also provide a wide variety of legal, accounting, fiscal and labour relation services including but not limited to General Contracting, Family Law, Evictions, Traffic Matters and Monetary Claims.
All of the above services are tailored to the needs of each individual client: contact PALS now and make an appointment to discuss how they can help you to enjoy your property and your life in Spain!
| Main office : Avda. Doctor Meca, 107 Local 3 Puerto de Mazarrón Murcia 30860 - España E-mail: info-mazarron@palsolicitor.com Direct Line (00 34) 968 595 826 Fax (00 34) 968 595 827 |
|
