According to data from the Basque Government's Department of Economy, Labor and Employment, a total of 44,905 individuals were seeking employment in domestic service in Euskadi by the end of February. This sector encompasses personal care workers, childminders, and those performing cleaning and maintenance tasks in private homes.
However, Lanbide only mediated 3% of the contracts formalized last year, amounting to 389 labor agreements. This figure is lower than the 540 contracts registered the previous year. This low intermediation rate is largely attributed to the existence of private employment agencies that connect supply and demand.
The care system for the elderly has completely changed, and now residences and specialized centers are losing weight among preferences, with a strong advance of the alternative of home care.
The demand for care services, particularly for dependent individuals, is increasing. This trend is reflected in the Basque Strategy for the Elderly 2026-2029, whose conclusions were presented by the Basque Government on April 14. The document highlights the growing importance of home-based care over residences and specialized centers.
The Labor Inspectorate conducted only one inspection in the sector last year, finding no irregularities. The previous year, three actions were carried out, one of which resulted in a sanctioning file. The Basque Government warns that complaints are usually related to the absence of contracts, which falls under the jurisdiction of the State Labor and Social Security Inspectorate.
Regarding inquiries received by Lanbide, the majority came from Bizkaia (1,480), significantly more than from Gipuzkoa (366) and Araba (356). The most common topics of inquiry include dismissals, salaries, and labor rights and duties.
