In a context of falling birth rates (-6.6% over the year 2023 and a drop of almost 20% since 2010), the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron spoke on the subject during his conference. television press from Tuesday January 16, 2024. The Head of State notably returned to the transformation of parental leave into birth leave. But what will be the differences and when will this leave come into effect?
Birth leave: how long?
Shorter, but “better paid”, birth leave is intended to replace parental leave, without a date being communicated, for the moment, on the elimination of the latter. Parental leave, the duration of which can be up to 3 years, offers monthly compensation of 429 euros, i.e. “below the Active Solidarity Income (RSA)”and is taken by less than 3% of men, we explain at the Élysée, during a telephone press briefing which took place this Monday, January 22.
The duration of this birth leave is fixed at six months. “The idea is to allow fathers and mothers to be able to take it and to ensure, particularly for the middle classes, that this does not lead to excessively significant salary reductions,” specifies the Élysée. In addition, this duration would make it possible to encourage a return to the job market, particularly for women.
How much will be the birth leave?
But for what amount? This point is still subject to discussion, but the objective is to “get out of fixed amount social benefits and move towards a daily allowance system”. A system already in place to calculate the monthly amount of paternity or maternity leave.
At present, the percentage covered by Social Security has not yet been fixed, but the ceiling of monthly compensation covered by Social Security should be at 1,800 euros per month. “There will be a part which will be guaranteed by the Social Securityfor a maximum amount of 1,800 eurosand an additional part which could be supplemented by employers to cover 100% of salary”specifies the Élysée during its press briefing.
Birth leave: when will it be implemented?
This new leave should not see the light of day in 2024. Indeed, new work and new consultations must be carried out. In addition, for its implementation, birth leave will also have to go through the Social Security bill. “The goal is to pass into the next Social Security financing bill (PLFSS), next fall, for a entry into force in 2025”, we specify on the side of the Élysée.
Source :
- Élysée press briefing (01/22/2024)