[Sweden] In a 'world first' grandparents will be paid to look after children

In a groundbreaking legislative change, that is also a world first, grandparents in Sweden will have the right to take paid leave to look after children, Daily Mail reports.

Swedish parents can now transfer their maternity or paternity leave to family members or friends, allowing them to take time off work and look after children while continuing to receive 80 per cent of their salary.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Anna Tenje - Sweden’s Minister for the Elderly - said, “These changes empower parents to shape their own lives, while also fostering stronger bonds between children and both parents or other close relatives.”

The country’s generous parental leave system already offers 480 days. Sweden was the first country in the world to allow paternal leave in 1974 and only 17 per cent of fathers with children born in 2017 chose not to take advantage of the benefit.

While some politicians have already taken advantage of the changes, including the Moderate Party's Andreá Hedin who transferred her paid parental leave to her aunt, others have reportedly raised concerns.

Lena Hallengren - a member of the opposition Social Democratic Party - dubbed it a nanny state policy.

As of July 1, parents may transfer up to 45 days of their paid parental leave to a friend or family member. Single mothers and fathers can transfer up to 90 days.

In addition, the law has been updated to increase the number of 'double days' - when both parents can take leave together - from 30 to 60.

'Double days' can now reportedly be used until a child reaches 15 months; increasing from 12 months.

Source: Daily Mail

(Link and quote via original reporting)

In a groundbreaking legislative change, that is also a world first, grandparents in Sweden will have the right to take paid leave to look after children, Daily Mail reports.

Swedish parents can now transfer their maternity or paternity leave to family members or friends, allowing them to take time off work and look after children while continuing to receive 80 per cent of their salary.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Anna Tenje - Sweden’s Minister for the Elderly - said, “These changes empower parents to shape their own lives, while also fostering stronger bonds between children and both parents or other close relatives.”

The country’s generous parental leave system already offers 480 days. Sweden was the first country in the world to allow paternal leave in 1974 and only 17 per cent of fathers with children born in 2017 chose not to take advantage of the benefit.

While some politicians have already taken advantage of the changes, including the Moderate Party's Andreá Hedin who transferred her paid parental leave to her aunt, others have reportedly raised concerns.

Lena Hallengren - a member of the opposition Social Democratic Party - dubbed it a nanny state policy.

As of July 1, parents may transfer up to 45 days of their paid parental leave to a friend or family member. Single mothers and fathers can transfer up to 90 days.

In addition, the law has been updated to increase the number of 'double days' - when both parents can take leave together - from 30 to 60.

'Double days' can now reportedly be used until a child reaches 15 months; increasing from 12 months.

Source: Daily Mail

(Link and quote via original reporting)