Spanish government and trade unions agree on reform of unemployment benefits

The Spanish government and the CCOO and UGT trade unions have reached an agreement on Wednesday to reform unemployment benefits.

The pact, which will be signed this afternoon in Madrid in the presence of the Spain's vice-president Yolanda Díaz and the top representatives of the two main unions in the country, will not have the support of employers.

The initiative, key for access to the fourth package of European funds, was scuppered in January after being rejected by Podemos, who considered that it included cuts in benefits payments to people over the age of 52.

Requirements for getting the benefit are simplified. The new proposal extends the coverage of the benefit to all those under the age of 45 and to those who have contributed to social security for less than six months, even if they have no family responsibilities. 

The right to access the unemployment benefit is also extended to occasional agricultural workers, who were previously excluded.