Spain approves stronger sick-pay protection for menopause-related illness

Spain has approved a new category of sick leave for women whose diagnosed menopause-related conditions prevent them from working. It provides income protection from the first day, without requiring a minimum history of social security contributions.

Published in the official state gazette on 21 October, the new protection is scheduled to cover sick leave beginning on or after 1 December 2026. The decree still requires parliamentary ratification within a month.

Under the new rules, employers will pay the worker’s full salary on the first day. From day two through day 20, the benefit will be 60% of the earnings-based amount used to calculate sick pay, rising to 75% from day 21. It does not guarantee full salary throughout the absence.

For ordinary illness, statutory sick pay generally starts only on the fourth day. The new category also waives the usual requirement for at least 180 days of social security contributions during the previous five years. Other eligibility rules still apply.

The leave is not automatic for anyone experiencing menopause. Workers must be receiving public healthcare and have medical certification of a qualifying condition that prevents them from doing their job. The deciding factor is the impact on their ability to work, rather than simply the presence of common symptoms such as hot flushes or tiredness.