According to the Prison Population Statistics prepared by the Judiciary, The year 2023 ended with 56,698 people imprisoned in the penitentiary centers of the autonomous communities. Of these, according to data from Penitentiary Institutions published in June 2024, approximately 20% of inmates are employed in various activities inside the prison, which represents some 11,375 inmates.
In the Spanish prison system, inmates have the possibility of working and receiving remuneration for their work while serving their sentence. This practice allows them acquire skills and experience work, and also provides a source of income during your stay. Additionally, working in prison plays an important psychological role, helping them maintain a routine, building self-esteem, and giving them purpose. In 2024, the average salary of a prison inmate in Spain is situated between 3.24 and 5.68 euros per hour, which is equivalent to about 200-300 euros per month.
Types of jobs and remuneration
Inmates can choose jobs in service workshops or own productionsuch as laundries, bakeries, kitchens and cleaning. There are also collaborations with external companies through the Autonomous Body for Penitentiary Work and Employment Training (OATPFE). The most common positions include washerman, baker, cook, workshop operator and cleaner.
The General Organic Penitentiary Law establishes that they must receive at least 75% of the SMIthat is, 850.50 euros per month if they work full time. However, the majority does not reach this figure, since their average salary ranges between 3.24 and 5.68 euros per hour, well below the SMI of 1,134 euros per month in 2024. Despite this disparity, The demand for these jobs is highsince it provides them with a productive occupation and they are positively valued during evaluations to get parole.
It must be clarified that the penitentiary system in Catalonia and the the Basque Country operates independently, which can generate differences in the working conditions and salaries of inmates. These two autonomous communities have powers over prisons, which allows them to manage their own penitentiary institutions and establish specific regulations.
Benefits and controversies
Among the most obvious benefits, prison work allows inmates get work experience which can be useful once they regain their freedom, which helps in their social reintegration and reduces recidivism rates.
In addition, it contributes to the economy of the inmates, and allows them to send money to their families or save for his post-penitentiary life. It also helps maintain a daily routine and to reduce the depression and the stress associated with deprivation of liberty.
However, this apparently beneficial practice is not without controversy. The Association for Human Rights of Andalusia (APDHA) has indicated that labor rights are violated in Spanish prisons and that large companies benefit from this cheap labor without the obligation to contribute to the Social security that apply to free workers.
