Ways of increasing the generosity of family-related leaves in Georgia

Jaba Urotadze

Abstract


Since January 2023, the upper threshold of the allowance for maternity, parental and adoption leaves has doubled from 1000 GEL to 2000 GEL. The Labour Code of Georgia does not offer paternity leave (taken by fathers), which is provided in EU countries. In public service, the allowance amounts to the full salary of the civil servant. Such a large gap between civil service and the rest of organizations/institutions is not a fair approach. To improve the health and socio-economic conditions of families with a child, it is essential to significantly increase the generosity of the allowance for family-related leaves (maternity, paternity and parental leave) in the private sector. The review of academic literature showed a positive relationship between the increase in maternity/parental leave length/remuneration and improvements in the mental and physical health of mother and child. The study found that the significant increase in maternity benefit rate, as well as an increase in parental benefit and an introduction of paternity leave/benefit, is financially feasible, given the recent economic growth rate in Georgia and its projected growth for the coming years.


Keywords


work-life balance, maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, labour rights.

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References


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