Progressive extension of the transfer to the self-employed is ongoing. From 28 March 2000, a reform introduced more flexibility both on the demand and the supply side. For employees the possibility for both parents to be on parental leave is extended to the child's first 8 years of life. If only one parent is on leave, the total period equals 10 months. Employees may ask for part of their severance pay to cover their no-salary parental leave.
Priority is given to children of single parents, working parents and parents with low incomes.
The objective of the next reform is to extend the number of years in the primary school by lowering the age of entrance to 5. For a wide range of related information, you might directly enter the International Reform Monitor 's data-base. If you want to obtain a good overview about the latest developments in Social Policy, Labour Market Policy and Industrial Relations in Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, you can download the publications for free. Add new research Create personal PDF Click here to download or print your personal policy info selection in one PDF document Download the Brochure Click here to download or print our free online-publications .