Spain extends job preservation scheme

The government, unions and employers in Spain have agreed to extend their job preservation scheme until the end of May. The scheme, known as ERTE, provides workers with up to 70% of their previous pay, largely paid by the state. However, this is linked to specific conditions, as companies may not dismiss staff, distribute dividends or be based in tax-havens. The employers originally aimed to remove or weaken the ban on dismissals, but the final deal upheld the existing rules