strandude

It's been nearly 7 years that I've lived and worked in Spain. Moved to the Costa del Sol 2001 and did the odd job here and there until I found my way into the Real Estate market. Had some glorious years working freelance for some of the biggest companies in and around Marbella, Sotogrande and Puerto Banus. My current company I have been with nearly 3 years. You would think that after sticking with them, being with them for so long you would get some kind of respect both legally and ethically. But no, my friend and co-worker (also been at the company for about 3 years) has just been sacked! Saying that, she never had a contract and purely worked as an autonomo so there's not much she can do, but can you imagine? What is going on, have the standards fallen so low? She stuck by this company last year, as did I.. And now they tell her she is no longer needed. I'm worried I might be next...

Anyone else around here worked in Real Estate in Spain? On the Costa del Sol? I would be very interested in hearing other people's points of view..

greg

Hey strandude, don't take it personal most Real Estate companies in the Costa are definitely not going to "stick to you" just because you were around in the tough times, when it get's tougher you will most likely be on the street...

I hear more and more people are now starting to fight back. These Real Estate companies literally made millions over the last ten years, and now they are leaving hundreds if not thousands of "autonomos" (self-employed) workers on the street without a job. I would see a lawyer if I were you and check out your options...

giseleiza

Hey strandude I'm sorry to hear about your friend... Greg mentioned people fighting back, this is definitely the case. You see, since a few months, the labour laws in Spain have changed. And they are getting in favor of those who work full time for a company but are self employed. This is the typical situation that you and your friend are/were in.

Mostly these type of employees are "foreign agents" working in Spain and because they are foreign, they are not aware of their new rights that now protect them.

The law states:

If you depend on more than 75% of your income from one single source, and are 'employed' for longer than six months by that company, you are treated as a fixed employee, and enjoy similar rights as a full time employee on a fixed labour contract."

So regardless, if you get sacked, you can claim benefits! I would check with a lawyer and look into this... Best of luck!