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Spain proposes major expansion of bereavement and palliative care leave
Ten days off for close family deaths, up to 15 for palliative care, under new government plan
The Spanish Ministry of Labour has presented a draft Royal Decree that would significantly extend the amount of paid leave workers can take following the death of a close relative or when caring for a loved one receiving palliative care.Under the proposal, employees would see their bereavement leave increased from the current two days to ten working days in the event of the death of a spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild.
One of the most important changes is flexibility: theese ten days would not need to be taken consecutively. Instead, workers would be able to spread them over a four-week period from the date of the death, or from the day the deceased’s remains are returned to the worker.
For other relatives through marriage, such as parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, or grandparents of a spouse, the current two days of paid leave would remain, but could be extended to four days if travel is required. The rules still don’t cover more distant relatives like aunts, uncles, or cousins.
The ministry, led by Second Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, shared the proposal with unions and employers over the weekend for their review. Speaking recently, Díaz said: “No one can go to work properly two days after the death of a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a friend. No one can do it properly. The current system is too limited to deal with these situations.”
Alongside the changes to bereavement leave, the ministry also plans to introduce a new paid leave of up to 15 working days for employees caring for a family member in palliative care. This can be split into two separate periods within a three-month window, starting from the first day of leave and ending at the patient’s death. A medical certificate confirming the palliative status is required.
Employees providing such care may also reduce their daily hours by up to 50% while caring for a loved one in palliative care, whether at home or in a hospital, with pay reduced accordingly.
Another new measure under consideration is a one-day leave for workers who accompany a person undergoing euthanasia. This right would apply regardless of family relationship, extending to anyone formally designated to provide that support.
The proposal, already shared with unions and employers, must now be approved by royal decree and then by Parliament. While unions have welcomed the move, business groups have expressed concern and called for balance.
If passed, this reform would mark a major step in supporting workers through some of life’s most difficult moments; something Díaz has described as “long overdue.”
You might also be interested in: The paid leave you can request as an employee in Spain (and what's coming down the line)
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