Editorial: El País

• The government has presented a reform of the unemployment subsidy, which increases most benefits from 480 to 540 euros per month and expands the protected groups.
• This is the second attempt at carrying out the reform, after a failed first attempt in January.
• The draft includes an extra contribution to Social Security for beneficiaries over 52 years old.
• The plan has the support of unions, but not of employers, who stand apart from social dialogue.
• The measure is a reinforcement of the social protection shield, intended especially for those who have exhausted unemployment benefits or lack sufficient resources.
• The population at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Spain increased in 2023 from 26% to 26.5%.
• Women, who lead the indices of labor inequality, are the majority recipients of the subsidy.

Conclusion: This reform, which still needs to be addressed at the parliamentary level, increases unemployment benefits and extends them to more groups. Although it is backed by unions, it does not have the support of employers. Meanwhile, it highlights the larger issue of labor inequality, which primarily affects women.

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