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The legislation provides 20 working days of leave for workers on a five-day week
and 24 working days of leave for workers on a six-day week. The contract of
employment or the collective agreement may give more days of leave (with pay).
Workers request the leave and take it when the needs of the company permit.
The number of official holidays, on which offices and organisations are
closed, varies from 14 to 17.
Sickness
Sickness leave is fixed by agreement between employers and employees through
collective or individual agreements. A worker who does not receive sick pay from
his employer is entitled to sickness benefit from the Social Insurance Fund
under certain circumstances.
Maternity and paternity
Sixteen weeks of maternity leave are given. Nine weeks must be given before
the period commencing two weeks before the expected date of the birth. An
adoptive mother is entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave from when she takes
over the care of the child.
Both the father and the mother are entitled to parental leave. A parent who
has worked for an employer for more than six months is entitled to parental
leave of up to 13 weeks after a birth or adoption in order to attend to the care
and raising of the child. The law also provides for leave for reasons of force
majeure (e.g. ill dependents).
Study
If you are studying for a degree you should be aware that some organisations
grant leave for that sort of thing. Whether or not such leave is granted is up
to the employer. The leave is usually granted to enable the employee to obtain
professional qualifications (e.g. certified accountants) or qualifications which
enhance his work skills. If you are thinking of continuing your studies, it is
advisable to come to an agreement with your employer before proceeding.
Text last edited on: 12/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.
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