News
Barcelona surges in labour sanctions: nearly 600 fines and hospitality among most affected
The city ended 2025 with 592 proposed labour sanctions, average fines of €8,500, and thousands of citizen enquiries about abuses in sectors such as hospitality, renovation, 24-hour supermarkets, and transport.
Barcelona faces a rise in labour sanctions in 2025. Fines average over €8,500. Hospitality, renovation, and supermarkets are the most affected sectors. The City Council is strengthening labour protection. Thousands of citizen enquiries show the scale of the problem.
The year 2025 has left a significant mark on Barcelona’s labour landscape. Nearly 600 violations were detected and sanctions totalling almost five million euros have put both workers and employers in the city on alert. Collaboration between the Inspección de Trabajo de Catalunya and the Guardia Urbana has been key to uncovering irregularities that directly affect the daily lives of thousands of Barcelona residents.
The joint protocol made it possible to process 779 cases, of which 592 resulted in proposed sanctions and 116 in new registrations with the Seguridad Social. The most targeted sectors have been hospitality, renovation companies, 24-hour supermarkets, and goods transport. The fines, averaging €8,500, reflect the seriousness of the violations and the institutional effort to combat precarious work.
The City Council emphasises that coordination between administrations has strengthened worker protection and driven joint action to curb abuses. This new protocol adds to the work of the Puntos de Defensa de Derechos Laborales (PDDL), which have spent a decade supporting those seeking advice or training on their rights.
During 2025, the PDDL received 4,630 enquiries from 3,644 people, mostly related to payslips, working hours, holidays, or leave. There were also frequent questions about Seguridad Social, especially regarding temporary incapacity and unemployment benefits. The Servicio de Asesoría Laboral for young people, meanwhile, assisted 815 people under 35, addressing concerns about regulations, benefits, and final settlements. In addition, more than 400 specialised consultations and over a hundred group activities were held, with participation exceeding 2,200 people.
The Inspección de Trabajo de Catalunya considers that this kind of institutional collaboration increases the ability to detect irregularities and is consolidating as a priority strategy for improving working conditions in the city.
The Puntos de Defensa de Derechos Laborales (PDDL) have become a reference point for those seeking guidance on their rights in Barcelona. These centres, located in different neighbourhoods, offer personalised support and training to both workers and young people entering the labour market. Their work goes beyond advice: they help to highlight precarious situations and foster a culture of respect for labour rights in the city.
🆕 Barcelona tightens labour controls. In 2025, 779 cases were processed and 592 sanctions proposed, with an average fine of €8,500; hospitality and renovation among the most targeted sectors.