On 5 October 2026, Royal Decree 723/2026 of 9 September, transposing Directive (EU) 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union, will come into force, establishing a series of information obligations that employers must fulfil in relation to their employees.
The Royal Decree sets out a wide range of information obligations, including those relating to the essential elements of the employment contract, amongst others: identification of the applicable collective agreement; specific information for workers who regularly provide services abroad (countries of destination, duration, currency of pay, remuneration and reimbursement of expenses, repatriation conditions); the amount of the salary; the method of calculating variable components; training to be provided by the employer, the probationary period (specific duration and information regarding the tasks to be assessed during the probationary period), working hours and their distribution, termination of the contract, social security, equality plans and LGBTI measures, the nature of the benefit, the professional category or group, and precise job descriptions, as well as the use of algorithmic or automated systems that affect terms and conditions of employment.
These information obligations apply only to employment relationships lasting longer than 4 weeks
These information obligations must be fulfilled as follows:
- in writing, either on paper or electronically; proof of compliance must be retained. This communication must be understandable to workers with disabilities.
- prior to the start of the employment relationship. However, if any terms and conditions of employment are amended after the start of the employment relationship, the employee must be informed as soon as possible and, at the latest, on the date on which the change takes effect.
- The new information obligations also apply to employment relationships in force prior to 5 October 2026. Workers may therefore request that the employer comply with these obligations, and the employer must provide the information within 30 working days of receiving the request.
- The regulation provides that the Government will issue standardised forms to facilitate compliance with the new information obligations.
The Royal Decree also includes specific provisions for fishermen and seafarers.
