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Spain's Government to Reform Working Hours Registry in September

Published July 25, 2026 at 7:32 AM UTC

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The Spanish government has announced it will proceed with a reform of the mandatory working hours registry in September, following a pact between the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Economy. The reform aims to tighten rules on how companies record employee work hours, addressing long-standing concerns about overtime and undeclared work. Currently, employers are required to log daily hours, but enforcement has been weak, leading to widespread non-compliance. The new system will introduce digital time stamps and greater oversight. The agreement between the two ministries resolves internal differences, with Economy initially worried about administrative burdens on businesses. The reform is expected to affect millions of workers, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality where irregular hours are common. Unions have welcomed the move, arguing it will curb exploitation, while business groups express caution about additional costs. The government plans to approve the reform via a royal decree in September, bypassing parliamentary approval for faster implementation. Experts note that the success will depend on effective enforcement and clear guidelines for companies. The reform is part of a broader labor rights push by the coalition government.