When it comes to the duration of pregnancy leave or maternity/parental leave The Netherlands scores one of the worst in comparison to other European countries. Respectively 16 and 26 weeks of leave are almost the exact opposite of No. 1 Czech Republic where women get to 28 of pregnancy and 192 weeks of parental leave . Dutch fathers are also not better off than other European daddies . This is evident from the Worldwide Benefit & Employment Guidelines , conducted by consulting firm Mercer .
Mercer examined countries working conditions and social security laws and regulations from 20 European. The study shows that the Netherlands is on the 10th place when it comes to both pregnancy and maternity leave. Antoni Huissteden , spokesman at Mercer : " The debate about the duration of the pregnancy or maternity leave has been going on for a long period of time. In 2010 The European Parliament has adopted a proposal to increase maternity leave to 20 weeks. The Dutch government however still has not implemented those changes. Proponents argue that it may leave can be longer and that there’s definitely ‘space’ to make the necessary implementations, because it should benefit better work-life situation . Opponents point to the economic crisis . "
Besides Czech, Spanish parents also get ample time to raise their children, without this having consequences for their jobs. Although the 16 weeks of pregnancy leave seem short, they get 156 weeks of maternity leave to compensate for this . Following Spain , the regulations in Germany, Austria and Sweden the most beneficial for young parents.
Papas are not better off in Holland
In addition to maternity and parental leave, Mercer also investigated into paternity leave in Europe. It seems that Duch papas are also not that better off. . Dutch fathers are entitled to only two days off at the birth of their son or daughter, while in Norway a father can spend 2 months with his child. Also fathers from Finland, Spain and Denmark, with a minimum of 10 days leave a lot better off . In Austria , Cyprus and Ireland ther;’s no leave for fathers whatsoever.