Spain's Employment Service on the Brink of Collapse

Spain's SEPE Faces Collapse Amidst Staff Shortages and IT Issues The Spanish State Employment Service (SEPE) is facing a major crisis, with officials warning of an imminent collapse due to severe staff shortages and problems with a new IT system. The situation is causing significant delays and mismanagement in the distribution of unemployment benefits and other crucial aid. The PP, the main opposition party, is demanding urgent government intervention. "The collapse is imminent, and the government isn't acting," states a SEPE employee in a recent video that has gone viral. The video highlights the dire situation faced by SEPE staff, many of whom work in offices with only one or two employees, struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand for services. The new IT system, known as Alma, which cost €20 million, is reported to be a major contributor to the problems. The system's flaws are causing significant delays in processing applications and leading to uncontrolled distribution of aid, with some people receiving payments they are not entitled to. Unions are demanding the urgent incorporation of over 2,500 new employees to alleviate the situation. The government's response to the crisis has been criticized as inadequate. The ongoing issues underscore the urgent need for reform and increased investment in the SEPE to ensure it can effectively serve the needs of Spanish citizens.