Spain implements flexible retirement and delays public sector teleworking

Spain is implementing new regulations regarding retirement and public sector labor. Starting August 28, a new flexible retirement law (Real Decreto 416/2026) allows retirees to return to the workforce. Under this reform, employees can work part-time (between 33% and 80% of a standard jornada) or as self-employed individuals while retaining a portion of their pension. The measure aims to address labor shortages caused by a shrinking working-age population and to support the pension system.

Separately, the Junta de Andalucía has announced that a decree to expand teleworking rights for public employees will not be approved or implemented in September. The Public Administration Counselor, José Antonio Nieto, stated that administrative procedures and the necessary implementation of performance evaluation systems make it impossible to finalize the regulation within a single month. The proposed decree aims to increase remote work days from one to two per week.