Czech Republic Doubles Paternity Leave
The Czech Republic has doubled its paid paternity leave from 7 days to 14 days. Employees must take the leave in a single period within six weeks of the child’s birth. The change went into effect on January 1, 2022.
France Enacts New Leave for Child’s Disability
France has enacted a minimum of two days of employer-paid leave for employees dealing with their child’s disability, cancer in children, or chronic pathology. The leave went into effect on December 18, 2021.
Ireland Rolls Out New Public Holiday
Ireland has rolled out two new public holidays. In 2022, a one-time public holiday was given on March 18th to honor the citizens and victims affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional holiday will be provided on the first Monday of every February to celebrate Imbolc/St. Brigid’s Day beginning in 2023.
Portugal Extends Bereavement Leave
The Portugal government has increased bereavement leave in the event of the death of a child. The leave was increased from 5 days to 20 consecutive days, and includes the death of a stepchild, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law. The law also applies to employees with civil custody.
Bereavement leave of 5 days is provided for the death of grandparents, great-grandparents, grand siblings, grandchild, great-grandchildren, and siblings-in-law. In addition, 5 days of leave is provided for the death of parents, stepparents, spouse, partner, and parents-in-law. Additionally, the government offers psychological support through the national healthcare system to employees dealing with bereavement.
Spain Enacts Changes to Pension System
Spain enacted several changes to the old-age pension system effective January 1, 2022. Employed individuals who have reached the normal retirement age are now exempt from making most social security contributions. In addition, early retirement penalties are directly applied to pension amounts rather than the regulatory earnings base. Penalty rates for early retirement will vary based on the duration of early retirement and the span of a pensioner’s contribution.
Turkey Makes Changes to Private Pension System
Effective January 22, 2022, the Turkish government enacted several changes to the Private Pension System Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi (BES). The government’s matching contribution rate increased to 30% from 25% of participants’ annual contributions. The maximum government match is TRY 18,014.40 in 2022. Eligible individuals can now withdraw up to 50% of their BES account balance before age 56. Additionally, employees older than 45 are eligible to enroll in the auto-enrollment program OKS, changing the previous eligibility rule, which only allowed enrollment for participants under age 45. BES is comprised of two programs: a voluntary scheme and OKS.
Uganda Offers Provident Fund Early Withdrawal Option
Eligible employees can now withdraw up to 20% of their provident fund account balances before the retirement age of 55 years. Disabled employees can withdraw up to 50% of their account balance. The early withdrawal option applies to employees who have a minimum of 10 years of contributions and are aged 45 years or older.
UK – Northern Ireland Enacts Parental Bereavement Leave
Beginning April 2022, employees in Northern Ireland are entitled to two weeks of parental bereavement leave if they suffer the loss of a child under 18 years of age. The leave can be taken within 56 days after the child’s death and taken in blocks of 7 days or a single period. Employees will be paid at the minimum statutory rate during the leave. In addition, employees will be entitled to protection from detriment or dismissal because of taking the leave. This leave entitlement aligns with leave and pay policies in Great Britain.
