Work-Family Policies
Italian policies aimed to balance work and family responsibilities focus on maternity and paternity leave, parental time off, and time off for single parents. The policies are created by the Italian Parliament, and different policies may affect government employees and private non-government employees. Work-family policy applies to all employed citizens, but might not always apply to workers in different sectors, such as part time, self employed or contract laborers.All mothers with social security membership qualify for up to 20 weeks of time off following the birth or adoption of a child. Women who are self-employed, unemployed, or work in agriculture qualify for a maternity allowance directly from the Italian government agency National Institute for Social Security, or INPS. Fathers may take 12 weeks of time off with the birth of a child.
|
Policy |
Women |
Men |
Parents |
Single Parents |
|
Leave Time at Birth |
20 weeks |
12 weeks after |
32 weeks |
20 weeks |
|
Variations of Leave Options
at Birth |
4 weeks prior and weeks prior and 12 after |
* Leave is Optional |
|
Additional 12 weeks |
|
Leave Throughout Childhood |
6 months |
6 months |
12 months |
10 months |
|
Leave with sick child |
Additional 12 weeks |
Additional 12 weeks |
none |
2 years |
|
Compensation for Leave |
Max 80% of wag16 after or 8es |
Max 80% of wages |
30% in ages 0-3, none for children 3-8 |
30% in ages 0-3 none for children 3-8 |
Families with both parents can take up to 12 months off of work collectively. Parents may take off 6 months together or separately until their child is 8. Single parents can take off more time at birth and to care for children. Parents may also take more time off for multiple births, sick or disabled children, ill mothers, or death.
Current policies are outdated and favor male breadwinners, while current cultural attitudes reflect a more equal share of women’s responsibilities. Italy should update policies to improve aid for private sector employees and better match national attitudes on gendered employment and childcare.
References:
International Review of Leave Policies and Related Research 2008. 2008. London, UK: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. Retrieved February 2009 (http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47247.pdf).
Ocampo, Sofia. 2007. "Pregnancy and Working: Maternity Leave in Italy." The Florence Newspaper, Florence News - a7.05.09.18.07, Italy & Europe. Retrieved February 2009 (http://www.florencenewspaper.it/vediarticolo.asp?news=a7.05.09.18.07).
Top Corner Image Courtesy of James L. Stanfield
