Paternity leave

Notion

Many fathers express the wish to be able to take care of their children and their wives intensively after giving birth. This wish has been heard because, in 2020, a paternity leave was accepted by the Swiss people. It will take effect on January 1, 2021.

Loss of earnings allowances

From January 1, 2021, young working fathers will benefit from a limited paternity leave following the birth of their child. They will receive daily allowances paid by the loss of earnings insurance, as long as they meet all the conditions for entitlement. These allowances will cover part of the employee's salary, as the amount of the allowances is capped by law.

The father will be able to decide freely on these days of leave within a certain period after the birth of his child. Will the employer be able to reduce the employee's vacation entitlement because of this paternity leave?

Transition

Before the law on paternity leave was passed, collective employment contracts, company regulations and employment contracts often provided for a customary leave for the birth of a child. This leave provided by these regulations is often particularly short.