It is finally a reality. Who are dads as of today, April 1, they will have eight weeks of paternity leave. The three-week extension (from five to eight) that the government established by decree enters into force, and will be extended until reaching 16 weeks in 2021, matching that of the mother.
Non-transferable permit
It is a 100% paid and non-transferable permit, that is, if the father does not enjoy it, he cannot give it to the mother.
The the first two weeks of the permit must be enjoyed after delivery, while the remaining six can be enjoyed when the father wishes during the first twelve months of the baby's life.
Although the royal decree enters into force today, its continuity will depend on its being validated by the Permanent Deputation of Congress, which is the body that functions when the Chamber is dissolved. The meeting is scheduled for this week, when it will be decided if it is validated or repealed The decree law.
In Babies and more Paternity and maternity permits in Spain: this has evolved over the yearsDelayed entry into force
The Decree Law was published in the BOE dated March 8, establishing March 1 as the date of approval, although it was specified that the entry into force would be delayed until the first day of the following month, that is, April 1.
Affected parents who could not enjoy the permit during the past month, it is estimated that around 20,000, claim that its entry into force is retroactive to March 1.
Equal leave for father and mother
As planned, after this extension:
On January 1, 2020 they will be extended to 12 weeks.
As of January 1, 2021, the permit will be 16 weeks.
In the case of multiple births, the permit will be extended by two more weeks for each child from the second.
When the paternity and maternity leave is equal, it will be equal and non-transferable for both parents, but they will no longer be called that, but rather they will be called permissions for birth, childbirth or adoption and care for children under 12 months.
With this comparison, the Government not only intends to favor co-responsibility in the care of children, but also to prevent motherhood from hindering the career of women, since from 2021 men and women will have the same permits.
In Babies and more Maternity and paternity leave equal and non-transferable, but what do babies really need?
