Spain has not approved early retirement for high-risk sectors

Spain's government has not approved early retirement for any sector under a process created for jobs with high rates of deaths and injuries.

The process followed a deal between the government, unions and employer groups, and a decree approved in May 2025 set out how sectors could apply.

Construction and road transport were among the first to seek reviews, and requests concern around two million workers.

Officials are meant to assess accident and sick-leave rates, and whether risks can be reduced before retirement is brought forward.

Any early retirement would be offset by higher contributions to help cover the added cost.

Unions say the government has missed its deadlines and warn of protests, while the Social Security department has not explained the delays.

No sector has received a decision, despite several required reports being prepared for road transport applications.