Italy amends employment law

The 2019 budget law, which entered into force on 1 January 2019, introduced the following changes:

  • Paid paternity leave was extended from four days to five days.

  • Pregnant employees can now work until the ninth month of their pregnancy if authorized by their doctor. This would allow the employee to take a longer maternity leave after the birth of the child instead of using one or two months prior to giving birth, as authorized by both doctor and employer.

  • Flexible working arrangements can be made by employers for employees who are parents of children younger than age three or children with disabilities.

  • A new fund will be set up with a specific budget to allow early retirement. Further regulations are forthcoming with the details of the fund.