Labor
The use of AI in people management requires new guarantees to avoid gender bias
Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to people management (selection, hiring, promotion, and remuneration) can perpetuate and amplify gender biases if algorithms learn from historical data with inequalities. In application of European and Spanish regulations, organizations can reduce this risk by auditing their AI systems, integrating the gender perspective, guaranteeing human supervision and training their teams to ensure that technology does not compromise equality in the workplace.Pay equity: the path towards eliminating gender pay gaps
Every February 22, Equal Pay Day is commemorated in Spain. Multiple actions deployed at the international, European and Spanish levels promote the equalization of working conditions between both sexes. In this post we review the most recent and outstanding ones, focusing on Directive (EU) 2023/970, of May 10, pending transposition.INM adjusts government fees for immigration procedures in 2026 and reinforces the requirement to prove reasons for residence in México
The National Immigration Institute (INM) has introduced differentiated fees of 100% and 50% for various immigration procedures in 2026. Only those who can demonstrate family unity, a job offer or an invitation to participate in non-profit activities will be eligible for the reduced fee. This measure requires companies and applicants to review each case more carefully.The meal allowance for public administration employees is being updated in Portugal
For the first time in three years, the government is updating the meal allowance paid to public administration employees. This change will also affect the private sector, impacting on the tax exemption thresholds applicable to this kind of payment. These changes are effective on January 1, 2026.Portugal: Minimum monthly wage is increased to 980.00 euros in the Autonomous Region of Madeira in 2026
From 1 January 2026, the minimum wage in Madeira increases to €980, overriding any lower amount set in employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. Employers shall update any salaries below this threshold and adjust part‑time workers’ pay proportionally.Mexico: SAT clarifies that the tax status certificate may not be required to issue invoices or condition the payment of wages
The Mexican Tax Administration Service (Servicio de Administración Tributaria, SAT) has clarified that requiring the tax status certificate (constancia de situación fiscal or CSF) in order to issue electronic tax invoices or to condition the payment of wages lacks legal basis and may be subject to penalties. Through this clarification, the tax authority not only resolves technical questions, but also reinforces the protection of workers and taxpayers against practices that delay payments and generate unnecessary administrative burdens.How can the company use the medical examination to control absenteeism from work
Given the high rate of absenteeism, companies are exploring possible measures to reduce it. Article 20.4 of the Workers’ Statute gives them the possibility of verifying the state of health of employees through medical examinations. In this post we explain the scope of this tool.Mexico: The Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA) increases by 3,69% in 2026
The Official Gazette of the Federation published the new values of the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), which register an increase of 3,69% compared to 2025. This update will have relevant effects on the calculation of obligations, contributions and penalties provided for in various legal provisions.