Towards a pathway to the RETA for professionals affiliated with the Mutualidad de la Abogacía. An approach to the recent amendment of the Consolidated Text of the General Social Security Law concerning alternative mutual insurance funds

Abstract

The recent amendment to the consolidated text of the General Social Security Act concerning alternative mutual insurance schemes introduces a new regulatory framework of particular relevance to legal professionals. The reform maintains the model whereby mutual insurance schemes may serve as an alternative to the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA), while introducing a pathway into the public Social Security system for professionals affiliated with these social welfare schemes. This so-called «pathway to RETA» seeks to address situations of insufficient social protection that have particularly affected certain mutual members, especially with regard to retirement. The reform represents a significant change in the configuration of the relationship between mutual insurance schemes and the public Social Security system, as it seeks to respond to the demands raised concerning the social protection of professionals affiliated with alternative mutual insurance schemes. In this context, this «pathway» is conceived as a mechanism aimed at facilitating access to the public system, thereby opening up a new scenario in the organisation of social welfare provision for legal professionals.