New Law in Cyprus: Protection of Workers with Paternity and Parental Leave

On 16th December 2022, a new law was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus, introducing significant changes to the country’s labor legislation. This law provides important rights to workers, including paternity leave, parental leave, caregiving leave, and absence from work due to force majeure. Additionally, flexible work arrangements are introduced to harmonise Cypriot legislation with the “Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20th June 2019.”

This new legislation addresses the need for greater protection of workers and their family life. It also contributes to promoting gender equality in the workplace by encouraging the participation of fathers and working parents in childcare.

One of the key provisions of the law concerns paternity leave. Fathers will now have the right to take paternity leave with full working hours and full pay for 10 working days. This will allow them to dedicate themselves to the care and development of their child during the early stages of their life.

Furthermore, the law provides for parental leave for the working parent, whether they are the mother or the father. Parental leave grants the right to the parent to be absent from work for a specified number of weeks to care for their child.

In addition, the law includes caregiving leave, which allows workers to be absent from work to take care of family members in need, such as elderly parents or disabled individuals. This enables workers to take responsibility for the care of their loved ones while ensuring the preservation of their employment position.

Moreover, the law introduces flexible work arrangements to align with the “Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20th June 2019.” This means that workers will have the opportunity to enjoy flexible working arrangements, such as flexible hours, remote work, and other measures that allow the reconciliation of work with their family obligations.

The new law represents a significant step towards improving working conditions and protecting the rights of workers in Cyprus. These new provisions enhance the importance of a balanced approach to combining work and family life, promoting the well-being of workers and society as a whole.

Furthermore, in cases of repeated violations, employers may face additional sanctions, such as a ban on hiring new employees for a specific period of time.

It is important to note that the law also establishes mechanisms for protection against unjustified dismissals. An employee who believes they have been unjustly dismissed can file a complaint with the competent authority or take legal action in court to defend their rights.

The new law promotes the protection of workers and strengthens the balance between the interests of workers and employers. By prohibiting termination of employment during leave and providing protection against unjustified dismissals, the stability of employment relationships is enhanced, and fair and dignified treatment of workers is promoted.

Overall, this new law aligns with the pursuit of a more progressive and inclusive society, where workers’ rights and family life are respected and protected.

To ensure compliance with this new legislation, employers are strongly advised to always stay informed about new law alignments and regulatory changes that may impact their business. Adapting to these changes is crucial to maintaining compliance and avoiding legal issues.

By being proactive and vigilant in understanding and implementing new law alignments, employers can maintain a legally compliant workplace and reduce the risk of penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage.