The decision could transform benefits for single-parent families across Spain.
Single Parents in Spain Granted Equal Paid Parental Leave Rights
Single Parents in Spain Granted Equal Paid Parental Leave Rights
A recent court ruling equates parental leave entitlements for single parents to those of couples.
In a landmark ruling this month, a regional court in Spain's southeastern Murcia region has determined that single parents are entitled to the same amount of paid parental leave as couples. This decision is a significant step forward for the numerous single-parent families in the nation.
The ruling follows a previous constitutional court decision in November that prohibited discrimination against children of single-parent households. The constitutional court emphasized that the need for care and support for a newborn remains unchanged irrespective of the parental structure.
As per the new guidelines, solitary parents are now eligible to request the full parental leave benefits that are available to couples. This includes a mandatory six weeks of leave that must be taken together, plus an additional 10 weeks for each parent. Therefore, for a solo parent fulfilling both roles, the total entitlement amounts to 32 weeks of paid leave.
Carla Vall, a gender law expert based in Barcelona, remarked that this ruling could pave the way for other new parents nationwide to claim similar benefits. "This sets a precedent that other courts will likely follow," she stated during a phone interview.
Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy heralded the ruling as a progressive achievement and a triumph for civil society after prolonged advocacy for equal parental rights.
The ruling follows a previous constitutional court decision in November that prohibited discrimination against children of single-parent households. The constitutional court emphasized that the need for care and support for a newborn remains unchanged irrespective of the parental structure.
As per the new guidelines, solitary parents are now eligible to request the full parental leave benefits that are available to couples. This includes a mandatory six weeks of leave that must be taken together, plus an additional 10 weeks for each parent. Therefore, for a solo parent fulfilling both roles, the total entitlement amounts to 32 weeks of paid leave.
Carla Vall, a gender law expert based in Barcelona, remarked that this ruling could pave the way for other new parents nationwide to claim similar benefits. "This sets a precedent that other courts will likely follow," she stated during a phone interview.
Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy heralded the ruling as a progressive achievement and a triumph for civil society after prolonged advocacy for equal parental rights.
