The Parliamentary Group, “Ciudadanos” has submitted a Proposal of Law to Congress that includes measures to reform labour conditions for sole-traders. Albert Rivera, the group’s leader has informed Europa Press that said measures have been backed by PSOE and PP political parties also. What do these proposals include and how will they benefit business owners?
Proposals:
- That sole-traders Social Security contributions are calculated according to the days registered as opposed to complete months. The way it works now, a sole-trader is liable to pay a full month’s contribution regardless of the registry date so even if registry is done on the second to last day of the month, Social Security will charge the entire month.
- That the Social Security contribution is progressive, to be calculated in function of income as long as the income received is higher than minimum wage.
- That the 50 euro flat-rate for new sole-traders is extended from six months to one year.
- Easier methods to settle outstanding debts at either the National Tax Office and/or Social Security
- Create a new unemployment allowance for sole-traders who have used up all their benefits upon ceasing to trade (as long as they have been contributing for that concept).
- A 100% discount for women in their monthly contribution during maternity leave as well as the two years following their return to work.
- With regards to tax deductions in concept of vehicles and utility expenses for those sole-traders who work from home, they propose 50% tax relief for vehicles and 20% for utility bills.
- More flexibility when it comes to being able to alter the salary base rate that determines how much sole-traders are liable to contribute each month. To date, the base rate can only be amended twice a year at specific times but this proposal would increase that to up to four amendments per year.
These cover a number of concerns sole-traders have expressed over the years so if they are approved, it would greatly improve the longevity of new businesses as well as provide relief for existing businesses and allow them to prosper. We’ll just have to watch this space to see how well received the proposals are and whether or not anything positive will come about from this.
