Significantly more parental leave is being taken in Belgium, especially by men. This is evident from data from the National Employment Office (RVA).
In March, the number of parental leave interruption payments amounted to 91,079, an increase of 8.1 percent compared to the same month last year. Parents are entitled to 4 months parental leave for each child up to the age of 12. They will then receive a replacement income from the RVA. During the corona pandemic, the system received a boost. By way of illustration: compared to March 2019, the number of interruption benefits for parental leave rose by more than 38 percent last month.
It is striking that more and more men are taking parental leave. The number of benefits for men rose by 12.1 percent on an annual basis in March, twice as fast as for women (+6 percent). In absolute terms, however, far more women (58,876 in March) than men (32,203) still take time off for their children.
Traditionally, women are more likely to take time credit, thematic leave (particularly parental leave) or career breaks. Of the total 240,263 interruption benefits in March, 148,439 went to women and 91,824 to men.
Men are also on the rise in the general figures: +6.3 percent, compared to -0.1 percent for women. For example, men also took up more time credit in March (+6.8 percent), while fewer benefits went to women (-3.8 percent).
READ ALSO. Working less and accruing the same amount of pension: our work expert reviews the options (+)
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.