The holiday calendar for 2011 lists 12 national public holidays plus one day, April 21st, which is a holiday everywhere except in Cataluña. This is one less day than in 2010.
Proposed changes to residency requirements for non-EU nationals
The financial crisis has resulted in thousands of non-EU immigrants losing their jobs and, as a consequence, becoming illegal. A proper job and contribution to the Social Security system are prerequisites for obtaining renewal of residency permits.
Civil marriage ceremonies exceed religious ceremonies for the first time
During 2009, the number of civil marriages in Spain surpassed the number of church weddings, this situation being attributed to both an increased secularization and the economic situation.
Unemployment up by 1.2% in September
Unemployment in Spain rose by 1.2% in September, another 48,102 people joining the ranks of those without work. This puts the total number of unemployed at 4,017,763.
September car sales down
Car sales for September were 56,595 units according to the manufacturers’ (Anfac) and sellers association (Ganvam), down 26.9% on the corresponding month last year.
Price of butano gas bottle goes up as from today
The price of a standard12.5 litre bottle of butano gas goes up by 2.81% as from today, Friday October 1st. A bottle will now cost €12.79. The accumulated price increase so far this year is 16.6% – plus 3.4% in January, plus 5.7% in April, plus 4.7% in July and now plus 2.81% in October.
A win for the Blue and Whites
Valencia failed to regain top spot in La Liga after a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Global agreement reached on minimum transport service during the general strike
The Ministry of Development and CCOO and UGT trade unions have reached a global agreement on minimum service levels for transportation during the general strike planned for September 29th 2010.
Talks on minimum service levels on September 29th are continuing
The Ministry of Public Works and the Unions have so far failed to reach agreement on minimum service levels relating to international flights during the General Strike on September 29th. The Ministry is wanting a 40% service, the Unions have been suggesting 0%.
Service levels during the General Strike
The Unions have made an agreement with the Ministry of Employment, the Employers Confederation of Andalusia (CEA) and the Municipal Councils regarding minimum service levels during the General Strike on September 29th.