ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Spanish contract cleaning association ASPEL has published a report in which it lists its proposals and solutions for the economic recovery of the buildings and premises cleaning sector following the pandemic.The document examines issues relating to contracting, substitution, tax law, absenteeism and the minimum wage, among others.

Launching the report, Aspel president Juan Díez de los Ríos highlighted how much the professional cleaning sector contributes to the development of the Spanish economy and the wellbeing of its citizens.

Social security contributions stand out among the solutions in respect of employment, he explained. In view of the increase proposed in the state budget the suggestion is they should be brought into line more with the European average in terms the percentage paid by companies and that paid by workers.

Díez de los Ríos added: "In the other countries of Europe the distribution of the burden is generally more balanced between employers and employees and in countries such as Germany the burden falls more on employees."In relation to absenteeism which, according to Aspel, "is a major problem due to the cost that it entails", the employers' association advocates halving the 14 days of temporary incapacity benefit and that the Social Security Treasury-General examinea the Spanish tradition of accumulating absenteeism.

In addition it recalled the importance of finding a legal formula to resolve the matter of contracts signed and in execution being updated following increases in the minimum wage. In this respect the Aspel president declared: "administrative authorities should take into account this increase in tender prices of public contracts".

Díez de los Ríos also emphasised the need to increase the proportion of daytime cleaning work, in full cooperation with clients, in order to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and to improve the work-life balance of those in the sector.