Public Sector Workers to Receive Extra 'Moscoso' Leave Day in 2026

Public sector workers will see a change to their leave policy in 2026. According to a recent resolution from the Secretary of State for Public Function, administration employees will receive an extra day of discretionary leave next year.

This change is a result of how the Basic Statute of Public Employees (EBEP) handles holidays that fall on weekends. Because August 15, 2026, falls on a Saturday—a day that cannot be recovered or replaced—the law allows public bodies to compensate staff with an additional day of leave. As a result, the number of discretionary leave days, often called "moscosos," will increase from six to seven for the year.

Under Article 48 of the EBEP, these days allow civil servants to take time off without a loss in pay or impact on their Social Security contributions. Unlike sick leave or family leave, these days do not require specific justification and are granted based on operational needs.

This policy applies to the General State Administration and extends to regional levels, including Aragon. It serves as a way to balance the calendar for staff who would otherwise lose the benefit of a public holiday that falls on a weekend.