Maternity Leave – Employment Germany

Reform of the German Maternity Protection Act – What changes?

By Karen Wilhelm LL.M. / 8 January 2018 11 June 2019 / Maternity Leave

The new German Maternity Protection Act “Gesetz zur Innovation des Mutterschutzgesetzes (MuSchG)” has come into effect on 1 January 2018. The aim of the new regulation is to ensure a modern and responsible approach to maternity leave. In addition, the legislature aimed at making the Maternity Protection Act more comprehensible and clearer in its structure, thus facilitating its applicability. Expansion of the protected target group The regulations of the new MuSchG apply to an extended …

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Update on reforms of the Maternity Protection Act

By Dr. Isabel Schäfer / 24 April 2017 11 June 2019 / Legislation, Maternity Leave

Following up on one of our blog posts last May, the German Parliament approved reforms of the Maternity Protection Act on 30 March 2017. The reforms are, however, still subject to the approval of the German Federal Council. One of the key changes will be an extension of the scope of protection, as a result of which schoolgirls, interns and students will also be entitled to statutory protection. The period of protection of mothers after …

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Revisions to the Maternity Protection Act

By Dr. Astrid Schnabel LL.M. / 23 May 2016 11 June 2019 / Legislation, Maternity Leave

Recently, the German Federal Cabinet approved a draft law which will amend the Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz). According to the coalition’s plans, the reform will come into force on 1 January 2017. The key changes are: Increase of the period of protection (during which women cannot work) after the birth of a child with disabilities up to 12 weeks; Maternity leave for schoolgirls and students, and during internships; Similar level of protection throughout different professional …

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Reform of the German Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act

By Dr. Astrid Schnabel LL.M. / 1 December 2014 11 June 2019 / Maternity Leave, Parental Leave

German law allows employees to go on paid parental leave in addition to mandatory paid maternity leave after childbirth. Until now, the German Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz, BEEG) provided for a parental allowance for a maximum duration of 12 months of paid parental leave (14 months if the other parent decides to go on parental leave as well). The allowance is paid by the state and ranges from EUR 300.00 …

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