Great importance is attached to family – a great many fathers now also take parental leave
however, especially those whose children
ing a family with professional further develop-
are not yet at school; the corresponding fig-
ment. It is among the numerous benefits de-
ure for working fathers is just five percent.
signed to assist parents and contribute to a
In 2014 the employment rate of women in
family-friendly society. Parental leave gives
Germany was 73.1 percent, the second-high-
both partners the option of suspending their
est figure in the EU and clearly above the EU
job for up to three years. During this period
average (62.3 percent).
they receive family allowance for up to 14
months amounting to 67 percent of their last
The parental leave introduced in 2007 en-
net income (minimum of 300, maximum of
ables couples to more easily reconcile start-
1,800 euros) to secure their livelihood.