Study lays bare the ‘constant stress’ of being self-employed in Spain – CSN News

An INTERNATIONAL STUDY conducted by the UGT-CTAC Spanish trade union sheds light on the added pressure and stress that self-employed people face.

Six out of ten non-salaried employees in the country admit to experiencing mood swings frequently.

The report involved the creation of 54 focus groups, which included self-employed individuals from various fields such as personal trainers, lawyers, and salespeople.

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They spoke of long working weeks and the uncertainty they felt about their monthly earnings to pay for bills.

The results showed that 25 percent of the respondents worked over 50 hours per week, a stark contrast with just 3% who had salaried employment.

Talking to El PeriodicoDani Garcia, president of the UGT’s branch for self-employed workers, the CTAC said: “The self employed are to large businesses what small parts are in cars. Without them, they wouldn’t function.”

Garcia claims that the plans to reduce Spain’s working week from 40 hours to 37.50 could widen the wage gap.

He commented, “There has always been a distinction between first class and second class workers.”

Stress and depression are caused by uncertainty over income, long hours of work and time spent alone.

The UGT report cites the concern that clients are either late or stop paying their employees, causing them to be in financial difficulties. They may not have enough money to pay for bills and contribute towards social security.

Focus group members have said things like: “It is a constant strain as you always need to be on top of everything.” or “In Treasury’s eyes, we are criminals.”

The ability to do anything you want, whenever you like is a plus.

One respondent said, “One of my greatest advantages as a freelancer has to be that I am able to take my children with me to school.”

Another said: “It seems that freedom is expensive and if it is not justified, it isn’t worth it unless you like your job.”