Work and family
Max and Julia are happy because there are expecting their first child but they are also worried: how can they combine raising their child and working at the same time?
Max and Julia, don’t worry. We will have a look at everything together!
Announcement of a pregnancy As soon as Julia learns about her pregnancy, she has to inform her employer about it and the estimated day of birth, preferably written.
Dismissal protection during pregnancy Pregnant women with an unlimited employment relationship must not be dismissed. The dismissal protection lasts until 4 months after the birth.
Protection during the pregnancy During a pregnancy heavy, physical work is forbidden. That means for example lifting and carrying of heavy objects, work that is mainly done standing
Mothers to be or breastfeeding mothers are prohibited from working at night. They don’t have to work on Sundays or bank holidays.
If it’s not possible to schedule important pregnancy examinations outside working hours, the employer is obligated to allow them within the working time.
Protection period for pregnant employees As a mother to be Julia must not work for 8 weeks before and after the date of birth.
Paternity leave Paternal leave means that Max as father of new-born children can have a leave of absence for one month. That means he doesn't have to work but he doesn’t receive a salary either.
Parental leave Parental leave means that one parent doesn’t have to work to take care of a small child. Parental leave starts after the end of the protection period for pregnant women.
The parental leave can be divide between both parents. It lasts between 2 and maximum 35 months. Principally Max and Julia protected against dismissal during parental leave.
Parental part-time: Parents with children below 7 years, can reduce their working time and allocate their working hours in such a way that it is compatible with their child care duties.
It’s possible that both Max and Julia take parental part-time at the same time.
The parent has to inform the employer about the beginning, duration, amount of working time reduction and allocation of working hours, preferably written. When Max and Julia are on parental part-time they are protected against dismissal.
Time off for care responsibilities When a sick child or close relative who lives in the same household, needs to be cared for, Max and Julia have the right to paid time off for care responsibilities.
Employees have the right to 1 week time off for care responsibilities each year. If this week is up, employees with children below 12 years have the right to maximum another week off if needed.
Compassionate leave or part-time.
Compassionate leave or part-time means that Max and Julia can stop working or work less when a close relative is severely ill and they need to take care of them.
This is not a long-time solution but a solution to get through a certain amount of time (e.g. until I have hired an external nurse).
Compassionate leave and compassionate part-time has to be agreed between Max and Julia and their employers.# Max and Julia a right to a 4 week compassionate leave. With an agreement for the employer compassionate leave or part-time can last up to 6 months.
Max and Julia are relieved now. They know what labour law related regulations apply to them as parents to be.