More paid time off for parents under new Spanish law
The Spanish government has approved an expansion of paid parental leave as part of a new package of family support measures announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez following Monday’s Cabinet meeting.
This includes an increase in statutory birth leave from 16 to 17 weeks and introduces two weeks of paid child care leave, usable until a child turns eight.
Sánchez described the changes as a “historic step” in improving rights for families across Spain. He explained that the extra three weeks of paid leave would add to the existing support already available to families.
One of the key changes is that the two new weeks of paid care leave can be taken flexibly and with past effect for children born from 2nd August 2024 onwards.
The leave can be used at any point until the child’s eighth birthday, giving parents greater freedom in how they support their child’s development.
In a further step to address inequality, the changes will also benefit single-parent households, most of which are headed by women. These families will now be entitled to 32 weeks of paid leave for birth or childcare, up from the current 16 weeks.
Sánchez noted that around 80% of single-parent families in Spain are led by mothers and said the change was essential to “reinforce the welfare state and support those who need it most.”
The new law is the result of an agreement between coalition partners PSOE and Sumar, with Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz’s party reportedly pushing for its approval to avoid penalties from the European Union linked to compliance with family rights directives.
Sánchez acknowledged there is still “a great deal of work to do,” but emphasised that the government is committed to expanding social rights and ensuring families have greater support to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
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