Reform: Changes in leave for family reasons

Work leave for family reasons in Luxembourg will undergo a reform from January, with changes to the number of days granted for paternity leave, the care of sick children and marriage.

Passed in Parliament on Thursday with a 57-60 majority, the new law will come into effect from 1 January 2018.

Among the biggest changes are an extension of paternity leave from two days to 10.

Twelve weeks were granted for maternity leave – up from eight – while an allowance for days off to care for sick children is to be given in accordance with a child's age.

Parents who have lost a child will be given five days' compassionate leave instead of three.

Other changes include a drop in the number of days off for marriage and PACS (civil unions) and a change in entitlement for moving house.

Ten days paternity

Under the new law, fathers will be able to split the 10 days' paternity leave over the first two months following birth if his employer agrees.

If the employer refuses, the new father will be given the 10 days immediately after birth.

The state will reimburse the employer for eight of the 10 days.

This new law applies to same-sex couples and adoptive parents and applies to those working in the private sector.

Sick children

While parents are currently entitled to two days a year to look after a sick child aged up to 15 years, they will now be given a number of days depending on the child's age.

• Twelve days for a child aged up to four years
• Eighteen days for a child aged four to 13
• Five days for a child who is in hospital and aged between 13 and 18

Marriage, moving house

Maternity leave currently stands at eight weeks, or 12 weeks for mothers who breastfeed for at least five weeks.

But from January, maternity leave will be a standard 12 weeks.

Couples getting married will see a drop in leave from six days to three, and leave will be reduced to one day for a PACS.

Those moving house will be entitled to two days every three years instead of every year.