Spain limits progressive return-to-work scheme to cancer patients

The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has revised its draft temporary‑disability reform to restrict progressive return‑to‑work arrangements to workers who have recovered from cancer, after a continuous sick‑leave period of at least 180 days. Earlier drafts also covered stroke, heart attack and severe bone fracture cases, but those provisions have been removed.

Under the new proposal, eligible employees would resume work on a half‑time basis for the first 45 days after returning, receiving 100% of their salary – half paid by the employer and half by Social Security. The change is part of ongoing negotiations with employers’ groups and trade unions, and the government has consulted the Spanish Cancer Association. No formal date has been set for presenting the reform to the cabinet or parliament.