Spain has long languished at the tail-end of the European benefits league. Things are improving though, and paternity leave was brought into line with the rest of Europe in 2007. Mothers formerly working full-time are guaranteed sixteen weeks statutory maternity leave (baja por maternidad). An extra two weeks are granted in the case of twins. As is common in other European countries, the sixteen weeks need not be taken in one block. In consultation with employers, it can be used before or after the birth, in part-time blocks, or shared with the father. The six weeks following birth are, however, an obligatory rest period. From March 2007, the paltry two days that fathers were allowed was extended to 15 days statutory leave, although this looks set to increase.