New law allows fathers to spend more time with their newborn children.
Previously, only a quarter of fathers took the parental leave they are entitled to.
Finland's newly formed government has announced that it will give all parents the same parental leave. This policy is designed to allow fathers to spend more time with their children. The statutory paid allowance will increase to a combined 14 months
Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, Health and Social Affairs Minister, explained that "Radical reform of family benefits has begun,” with the aim of strengthening the relationship of parents from the start.
Previously, only a quarter of fathers took what they are entitled to. The new plans now only describe ‘parental leave’. Each parent will receive 164 days, and pregnant women will get an additional month's allowance.
Parents may be allowed to transfer 69 days of their quota. Single parents would be allowed to use both allowances.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
