The Decent Work Agenda, approved by Law no. 13/2023, of April 3, includes about 70 measures, with the following objectives:

  • combat precariousness and consequently increase wages;
  • encourage social dialogue and collective bargaining, so that the solutions found reflect the concrete realities of each situation; 
  • promoting equality in the labour market between women and men, with new measures to encourage the real sharing of family responsibilities;
  • create conditions for better work, family and personal life balance;
  • strengthen enforcement mechanisms, including cross-checking of data for more effective detection of irregularities.

Temporary contracts, in particular, are now subject to the following new rules:

  • The duration of temporary contracts is now capped when the same function is being performed, even if the employer is different.
  • The number of renewals of temporary contracts is reduced to four.
  • The trial period is reduced for young people who have already had fixed-term contracts in the same activity, even if with another employer.
  • The amount of compensation for the termination of fixed-term contracts is doubled as a means of deterring the conclusion of unjustified fixed-term contracts.

Professional internships are now remunerated by at least 80% of the National Minimum Wage, and IEFP internship scholarships for graduates are increased to €960. 

The protection of the rights of young working students is strengthened, and they will be able to accumulate family allowances and scholarships with their salary.

The use of outsourcing is now prohibited for one year after a collective redundancy or job loss.

The main changes regarding licenses are as follows:

  • The father's exclusive parental leave is increased from the current 20 to 28 consecutive days.
  • There will be an increase in the allowance when parental leave is shared equally between father and mother, and from 120 days, the leave can be used part-time by both parents, increasing the total duration.
  • Gestational bereavement leave is created, which can last up to three days.
  • Leave due to the death of a spouse is increased from the current five days to 20.
  • The right to teleworking, without the need for an agreement, is extended to parents with children with disabilities, chronic illness or cancer.
  • Exemptions and licenses are extended to those who want to adopt or be foster families.

Workers now have the possibility of obtaining sick leave through the SNS 24 service, that is, without having to resort to an appointment at a hospital or health centre. These leaves, obtained under oath, can be requested up to twice a year, for periods of up to three days. Similarly to what happens with sick leave by doctors, these sick days of up to three days are unpaid, either by the employer or by Social Security.

There are also new rules on temporary agency work, platform workers and collective bargaining.

These measures come into force on May 1, 2023.