Parental Leave

Parental leave is defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as “leave granted to fathers and mothers during a period after the termination of maternity leave to enable parents in employment to look after their newborn child for a certain time, whilst giving them some degree of security in respect of employment, social security and remuneration. Parental leave is also granted to adoptive parents.”

This definition states the co-responsibility of parents, both natural and adoptive. Parental leave differs from maternity leave because it is focused on the care and upbringing of young children, making both parents eligible for the benefit. The mother's and baby's health is the prime consideration of maternity leave, including extended or optional maternity leave. Paternity leave is distinguishable from parental leave in ...