Changes to parental leave in 2023

Extension of parental leave in 2023

Since the beginning of the year, intensive work has been carried out on amending the Labor Code. The aforementioned actions resulted in the signing of a bill on January 10, 2023, which would address, among other things. Labor Code. The amendment was to introduce the EU’s directive on. the length of parental leave, which was to be extended from 32 weeks to 41 weeks in the case of the birth of one child and from 34 to 43 weeks in the case of the birth of more than one child. The extra time is to be introduced for fathers, who will be able to devote it to caring for their child.

An important change is also planned for the so-called “new” system. “pro-life” leave, which is to cover Parents of a terminally ill child and which is to last 65 or 67 weeks depending on the number of children born.

Funding for this type of vacation is also set to change. At this point, it is necessary to define exactly how maternity leave differs from parental leave. Maternity leave is the mandatory 20 weeks of leave applicable after the birth of a child and parental leave, which until now included another 32 weeks to be taken voluntarily. It is the latter that is to be extended for an additional nine weeks. What’s more, up to now, 60% of the salary has been paid during its term. With the planned changes, the percentage is expected to increase to 70.

Other changes in the labor code

The extension of parental leave is not the only planned changes to the Labor Code related to raising a child. It is also planned to increase the so-called “new”. Flexible working hours for Parents of children up to 8. year of age. It includes, among other things. The possibility of working remotely, staggered working hours on weekends, reduced working hours and part-time work. The employer, without the employee’s consent, will also not be able, in the case of care for a child under the age of 8, to order night work, overtime and business trips.

Caregiving leave is also a new type of leave. It assumes that an additional 5 days of care for a family member will be allowed. Therefore, it does not have to be a child, but also, for example, a parent or spouse for whom there is a need for care. However, such leave will not be paid extra. In addition, it will be possible to take 2 free days due to “force majeure.”

The aforementioned changes are being made because of the EU’s work-life balance directive. Announcements regarding the entry into force of the regulations suggest the 1st quarter of 2023.