A new proposal is making its way into the debate on work-life balance: equal leave for both parents, which provides for 5 months of abstention from work paid at 100%. This measure, supported by Elly Schlein (PD), aims to reduce gender inequalities in the management of family care work and to encourage female employment, while addressing the
birth crisis.
In this guide, we see in detail what the proposal envisages, what changes it would bring and how it fits into the European context.
Table of Contents:
What does the Equal Leave Proposal provide
The proposal put forward by Elly Schlein, reiterated on 15 March 2024 at the Chamber of Deputies and on 8 September 2024 at the Forum The European House — Ambrosetti in Cernobbio, provides that both parents can take 5 months of leave paid at 100%. Currently, in Italy, there is a clear gap between the length of leave for the mother and the father, with the latter being able to take only 10 days of mandatory
leave.
The proposed leave would be non-transferable: each parent must use their period of leave, without the possibility of transferring it to the other. This promotes an equitable distribution of family tasks and aims to support female employment, reducing the disparity between the two parents
.
What is equal parental leave
Equal parental leave requires that mother and father have the same period of abstention from work, with a 100% salary. The proposal is part of a logic of gender equality, seeking to eliminate the disparities that characterize the current system. Currently, the mother is entitled to 5 months of 80% paid leave, while the father only has 10 days paid
at 100%.
The objective of the reform is also to encourage greater participation of fathers in family responsibilities, in addition to encouraging the birth rate and supporting the employment of women, often penalized by long work absences.
What Changes with Equal Leave
If the proposal were approved, several aspects of the leave system currently in force in Italy would change. In particular:
- Equal duration: Both parents would be entitled to 5 months of 100% paid leave, abolishing the disparity between the mother’s 5 months and the father’s 10 days scheduled for today.
- Salary: Both parents would be paid 100% for the 5 months of leave, while today only the mother receives 80% of the salary during her leave.
- Non-transferability: The leave will be personal and non-transferable, that is, each parent must use it compulsorily, without the possibility of transferring it to the other, thus ensuring that both parents take equal care of their children.
Examples of Equal Leave in Europe
Several European countries have already implemented forms of equal leave with positive results. Here are a few examples:
- Sweden: Since 1974, parents have been able to split 480 days of parental leave, with at least 60 days reserved for each parent and 80% compensation.
- Norway: Parents can choose between 46 weeks of 100% paid leave or 56 weeks at 80%, with 10 weeks mandatory for the father.
- Spain: Both parents are entitled to 16 weeks of fully paid leave, with the first six weeks mandatory for both of them immediately after the child is born.
These models have shown a positive impact on fathers’ participation in family responsibilities and on reducing gender disparities in the world of work.
When Equal Leave Could Be Implemented
The proposal for equal 5-month leave for both parents is still under discussion and has not yet been formally evaluated in Parliament. If approved, it could be introduced as part of the 2025 Budget Law, which will be discussed by the end of 2024
.
We will keep you updated on the developments of the proposal as more details are outlined.
Bonuses and Help for Parents
In addition to the proposal for equal leave, there are already numerous bonuses and benefits for parents, such as the Nursery Bonus, the Baby Bonus and the Single Universal Check. These tools are essential to support Italian families in bearing the costs associated with raising their children.
Equal leave for both parents represents an important step towards gender equality in care work and family management. If approved, the proposal will radically change the current leave system, offering greater opportunities for fathers to be an active part in child care and
supporting female employment.
