Promoting the employment of people with disabilities
The Government of Catalonia, through the Department of Business and Labor, provides support for programs that promote increased employability, inclusion, and employment support for people with disabilities in Catalonia.
In Catalonia, according to the latest available data, 337,200 people have a recognized disability, of whom approximately 125,000 are active in the labor market. In this context, Special Employment Centers (CETs) play a key role in labor market integration: currently, there are 201 operating centers, employing 24,408 people with disabilities, 15,899 of whom face difficulties entering the workforce. These centers combine economic activity with a social function, ensuring adapted jobs and personalized support programs.
Given the difficulties people with disabilities face in accessing the labor market, the Department of Business and Labor annually promotes wage support subsidies (minimum wage) for Special Employment Centers (CETs) and supports these centers, which, beyond being productive, have an important social function. Specifically, through the Directorate General for Social and Solidarity Economy and Cooperatives, more than €146 million has been allocated in 2025 to support these programs.
A boost to hiring and inclusion
These support programs offer beneficiaries guidance and support from specialized technical staff in their work environment (Multidisciplinary EMS Support Teams). They also provide guidance on their transition to retirement, adapting schedules and tasks in situations of premature aging. To promote innovation and competitiveness, the Department is promoting the InnvESS Program, a biennial grant program for Employment Training Centers (CETs) and social enterprises to advance transformative industrial projects, improve production processes, and develop sustainability strategies.
In parallel, the Government of Catalonia annually promotes the Comprehensive Guidance, Support, and Integration Services for people with disabilities or mental health conditions (SIOAS), which aim to increase their employability through pathways tailored to their socio-labor circumstances. With these integration policies, the Department of Business and Labor maintains its commitment to creating inclusive work environments, in accordance with the National Pact for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which follows the principles of the UN Convention. The commitment remains to ensure that as many people as possible can develop their life projects with full rights and guarantees.