The Work Life Balance Directive currently being negotiated by MEP David Casa will introduce paid paternal and parental leave at EU level.

A set of compromises negotiated by Casa will go for a vote at the European Parliament’s employment and social affairs committee on Wednesday.

MEPs are set to strengthen the European Commission’ proposal, which foresees remuneration during leave equivalent to national sick pay, and agree to settle pay in line with a worker’s gross salary: 80% of gross salary for paternity leave; 78% of gross salary for parental leave and carers’ leave.

The amendments will reduce the period during which parental leave can be availed of by two years to when the child is 10 rather than 12 years’ old, as proposed by the Commission and call for special arrangements for single parent families.

The MEPs will also introduce a great degree of flexibility and numerous safeguards for microenterprises and SMEs and introduce a period of service of 6 months for workers before they can avail themselves of certain rights.

The definitions were also fine-tuned, noting that the leave is paid and also takes same-sex couples into account. The MEPs also want leave to be made available in cases of adoption and stillbirths.

When adopted, Casa’s report will represent the European Parliament’s position. Negotiations with the Council will start after the summer recess.