The new rules on compulsory paternity leave become fully operational, together with some changes concerning the legislation on parental leave in the broadest sense. The changes became operational with the go-ahead from the Council of Ministers on Wednesday 22 June to the legislative decree presented by the Minister of Labour, Andrea Orlando, which implements the European directive of 2019 on work-life balance for parents.
Here's everything you need to know in one quick guide.
How long is mandatory paternity leave?
The duration is 10 working days.
When can you take mandatory paternity leave?
The working father can take advantage of the compulsory paternity leave in the period between two months before and five months after the birth.
What is the difference with alternative paternity leave?
Compulsory paternity leave is an independent right with respect to alternative paternity leave, which is due to the working father only in cases of death, serious illness or abandonment of the child by the mother.
What changes for single parents?
The overall duration of the right to parental leave for single parents is increased from 10 to 11 months.
How long does the benefit last?
The period of parental leave covered by the indemnity equal to 6% of salary rose from 9 to 30 months.
When can parental leave be taken?
Also on this front there is a novelty: in fact, the age of the child within which parents, even adoptive or foster parents, can take parental leave increases from 6 to 12 years.
What changes for self-employed workers and freelancers?
The right to maternity benefits is also extended to them, also for any periods of early maternity leave due to high-risk pregnancies.
Is there any news for smart working?
Yes. Public and private employers who enter into smart working agreements must give priority to the requests of male and female workers who are caregivers or have children under the age of 12 (the age limit jumps in the case of children with disability).
