New EU Directive on work-life balance 


A new EU directive on work-life balance has been agreed, to replace the existing Framework Agreement on Parental Leave. The new directive, which will come into force in around three years, will provide new EU-level rights to paternity, parental and carers’ leave. 


Under the new directive:


• all new fathers will have a right to ten days’ leave around the time of the birth, paid at least at sick pay level (the UK already provides two weeks' statutory paternity leave, but only to employees with six months' service);


• the existing right to four months of parental leave will be strengthened by making two months of the leave non-transferable (to encourage greater participation from fathers) and by requiring two months to be paid at an “adequate” level;


• all workers will be entitled to five days of carers’ leave, to take care of serious illness or dependence by close relatives (there is no provision for this leave to be paid); and


• working parents with children up to age eight and all working carers will be able to request an adjustment to their working pattern or location including, where feasible, remote working (the UK’s statutory flexible working regime is broadly compliant with this new EU right, except that eligibility is limited to employees).