Elma SaizMinister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, announced this Thursday that the government was working on a temporary disability reform. The objective is make the sick leave system more flexibleallowing certain workers to return to work in certain circumstances.
During his speech at a breakfast organized by Nueva Economía Forum, Saiz explained that this reform will be carried out “with the obstinacy and the guarantee of health and safety”, adapting to the new needs of the workplace.
The minister cited as an example people undergoing treatment for serious illnessessuch as cancer, or people with multiple occupations, who might work in one profession while on sick leave in another.
This change to the sick leave system follows the model of pension reform, which makes work and retirement compatible, by offering workers more alternatives according to their needs.
Saiz insisted that the aim is to “give more flexibility” so that workers do not have to choose only between being on sick leave or being on sick leave. This reform will be developed within the framework of social dialogue and with the creation of a working group.
This group will be responsible for analyzing the evolution of temporary incapacity and its benefits, an issue which, according to the minister, worries both the Government and social agents.
On the other hand, Saiz announced that next October 7 a new social dialogue table focused on self-employed workers will open, with the intention of continuing to advance in the implementation of the contribution system based on real income .
Likewise, the minister reiterated that work is underway to reach an agreement on the pending regulations that will allow the transition of certain mutual societies to the self-employed regime.
Finally, Saiz stressed that the Social Security reserve fund, known as the “pension piggy bank”, will end the year with more than 9 billion euros, exceeding forecasts. In addition, he assured that Parliament will conclude with more than 25 billion dollars in the said fund.
