The Spanish Government has announced two measures aimed at creating employment in a country where over five million people are out of work.

Appearing in the Spanish Congress for the first time since the governing Popular Party won the general election in November, Employment Minister Fatima Banez said pensioners would be allowed to voluntarily work beyond the age of 65.

Banez added that the government was studying ways to adjust pensions to better reflect their social security contributions.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's package of labor reforms is also expected to pass on Friday.

Meanwhile, Economy and Competition Minister Luis de Guindos announced the government is working to promote the setting up of small businesses.

He said the need for a license prior to opening a business would be done away with, while rules and regulations in each of Spain's 17 autonomous communities would be standardized.

De Guindos aims for the proposed law to be approved as soon as possible to aid the small business sector which has seen sales fall by 11 percent between 2007 and 2011.