Relaxation of temporary work rules angers labor unions

Amid indignation by the country's main labor unions, the Spanish Cabinet on Friday approved a new batch of measures aimed at bringing down high unemployment by easing restrictions on temporary work.

In what amounts to an about-turn on a policy established in 2006, for a period of up to the end of 2013, companies will no longer be barred from re-employing workers on a new temporary contract who have previously been with the same company for 30 months during a period of two years.

The government also approved a new two-year trainee contract for young people with no professional experience that will also be made available to those up to 30 years old.

Spain's unemployment rate is currently 21 percent, the highest in the European Union where the average is half that. The youth jobless rate stands at 45 percent, among the highest in the industrialized world.

The UGT union described the reforms as "very negative because they weaken the position and rights of workers and take further a policy that has already shown weaknesses."

In response to the criticism, Labor Minister Valeriano Gómez said a "temporary job was better than no job."