|
Ahhh memories - many an evening spent sipping Sangria outside
some small bodega dreaming of doing a nightshift - I don't think
so! BUT - if you got to do it then do it right
There are many jobs in Spain for foreigners, however, along the
coast most jobs are seasonal as with the UK coast. It depends
largely on what you can and will be able to do. Most qualifications
obtained in the UK and Europe are recognised in Spain. Whatever
job you end up doing, If you intend to work in Spain make sure
you get a contract from your employer which is at least 6 months
long. This will also protect you and give you the same rights
as a Spanish employee. Your employer will deduct national insurance
and tax. In general Spanish wages are less than those in the UK
but bear in mind that the cost of living is less and the lifestyle
better. In general working hours include a 'Siesta' which is a
2-3 hour break between 2-5 in the afternoon. This is when most
businesses shut down, re-opening in the cooler hours of the evening.
We found that the Spanish work force generally accepted foreigners
into the community and worked alongside them in harmony. Spanish
workers have learned to cope with the heat, you on the other hand
will struggle. Try and learn some conversational Spanish, it will
go a long way to getting you accepted into the community. In Spain,
workers are heavily protected from exploitation and contracts
are very strict and adhered to. Permits to work as self-employed
can be obtained from the local council. You will also have to
register for tax and National Insurance. You will also need to
prove employers liability insurance to employ people.
If you take a job in Spain, make sure you get an official work
contract from your employer. Read it carefully and/or have it
translated. Remember that you can be given a temporary contract
that only lasts 3/6/9 months. After these contracts, an employer
has to give you a long-term contract in order to keep you on.
He cannot therefore continue giving you short-term contracts.
Don't be tempted to take cash work - if you are caught you will
be sent home. Anyone caught employing people without a contract
will be fined immediately.
If you are dismissed from your job in Spain and you do not agree
with the reasons, you can present a demand for conciliation within
20 days of receiving your dismissal letter. This is a prejudicial
process and counts on there being agreement between the two parties
as there is no presentation of evidence. If agreement cannot be
reached then you must place a suit in the Labour Court. The worker
has 20 days to present the demand in writing to the Labour Court
(juzgado de lo Social). The court will find the dismissal either
just or unjust and if the latter be granted, the worker will receive
45 days compensation for every year worked. If you are still not
satisfied you have five days to file recourse.
If you arrive in Spain, along the coast, looking for work, be
prepared for seasonal work. Between May and September the coastal
workforce swells with many opportunities in bars, clubs and restaurants.
The coastal areas of Spain are currently enjoying a continued
boom in the construction industry which offers many positions
for everything from bricklayers to planners. New hotels, houses
and apartments are springing up at an alarming rate.
There are also job opportunities for bi-lingual teachers of English
at all levels.
Another popular area to work in is working in service for wealthy
families in Spain, especially if you have experience in house-keeping,
cooking, maintenance or driving. The local Spanish and English
press often carry classified advertisements. The internet is also
a good source of information. Be aware though that the wages can
be very low and the hours can be very long.
There are many foreigners arriving in Spain, looking for this
type of work and needs dictate that they will settle for very
little. Some wealthy people will take advantage of this so while
this kind of job may look appealing, be wary. - Reproduced with
permission of www.idealspain.com
Try these links;
|
