They criticize the new government measures coming without consensus, while warning they will bring more spending and bureaucratic hurdles
Discomfort, uncertainty and above all a lot of confusion. The energy-saving plan approved by the government last Monday has sent the Spanish business fabric on a warpath.
While bars, restaurants and shops agree with the need to save energy, they criticize that the measures announced – including the temperature limit that stands out, darkening of shop windows after 10 p.m. or closing doors to avoid energy waste – have been taken without consensus and without taking into account the geographical and climatic diversity of Spain.
Likewise, they criticize that it will mean more costs and obstacles for a group, the self-employed, that has not reared its head since the pandemic broke out more than two years ago. If they had to endure restrictions for a year and a half because of the health crisis, others are now coming out of the war in Ukraine. And some of them, opposite. Should the offices, classrooms and offices be ventilated as prescribed by the covid regulations or should the door be closed so that the heat or cold from the establishments cannot escape?
This is one of the many reproaches made to the government by Lorenzo Amor, president of ATA, the main association representing the self-employed. “Which rule will prevail? Who is going to check whether this is fulfilled? Law enforcement? The Labor Inspectorate?” criticizes the also vice president of the CEOE, who finds these measures “rushed”.
“I see, of course, a very desperate plan and we are in a time when serious action needs to be taken with serious policy,” Amor said. According to him, it is “very difficult” for companies to adapt to the requirements in just a week and more in the month of August. He warns that this will “undoubtedly” have consequences for the group, which has not yet recovered from the pandemic and will have to bear more costs, more obstacles and more bureaucratic procedures.
On the other hand, the cabinet states that with its package of measures, a new helpline of 100 million euros has also been launched for the service sector. “These are subsidies to reduce energy consumption by 10%, which will be in effect until 2024,” they say of Moncloa. But for entrepreneurs it is not enough.
Of ATA, Lorenzo Amor points out that “there are places where the heating is set to 27 degrees, while others turn on the air conditioning at 19 degrees.” He also criticizes the lack of prior consensus with the Autonomous Communities and the various sectors. “When these kinds of measures are taken, it cannot be done lightly or desperately, all administrations must be counted on,” he warns.
In the same vein, Eduardo Zamácola, president of Acotex, the textile employers’ association, expressed his discomfort about the temperature limit, which “makes no sense” and will cause “discomfort” for customers. “And what’s worse” – he stressed – will lead to “the working conditions of the employees fall below the quality standards”.
In addition, he believes that the nightly blackout of shop windows will have a “double perverse effect” as businesses will lose their “main tool” of “marketing” and “civil insecurity” will be generated. Finally, he calls the recommendation to take off his tie “completely absurd”.
The uncertainty also reaches bars, restaurants and cafes. José Luis Yzuel Sanz, President of Hospitality in Spain, finds the new measures “reasonable” and that the entire sector will comply with them without any problems. However, these establishments are not considered within the group of those affected by the star measures of the new regulations. For example, they defend that their maximum temperature limit in summer will remain 25 degrees for “spaces where light work is carried out”, established by Royal Decree 486/1997 of April 14, which sets the minimum safety and health in the workplace.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
