Government of Austria (20.01.2021) Extended paid leave for pregnant women who cannot work remotely, and whose work requires close contact with other people, such as teachers, haridressers, beauticians, physiotherapists and masseuses. The measure is in place until June 2021. The regulation also ensures that employers do not experience any financial losses, as the government will reimburse 100% of the wages.
Extended paid leave for pregnant women who cannot work remotely , and whose work requires close contact with other people, such as teachers, haridressers, beauticians, physiotherapists and masseuses. The measure is in place until June 2021. The regulation also ensures that employers do not experience any financial losses, as the government will reimburse 100% of the wages.
January 20, 2021Kocher / Raab: The option of time off for pregnant women is extended until June, January 20, 2021
Today in parliament, the right to exemption for pregnant workers was extended if other protective measures or home office are not possible. This ensures the health protection of pregnant women in body-related professions during pandemic times until June.
Labor Minister Martin Kocher welcomes the extension: "In view of the mutation of the virus and the increased risk that it poses, it is sensible and important to protect pregnant workers and their unborn children." Kocher emphasizes that the best protection against the virus is compliance of hygiene measures is. “There is no increased risk of illness for mothers-to-be as long as they follow the protective measures - hand washing, keeping your distance, wearing a mask and testing. At the same time, it has been medically proven that pregnant women should be particularly careful when dealing with the corona virus, ”said Kocher.
The right to exemption applies to all those professions in which, as soon as the first opening steps are possible again, physical contact is required and the minimum distance cannot be maintained. This affects, among others, elementary teachers, hairdressers, beauticians, physiotherapists and masseuses. Around 4,500 pregnant workers in body-hugging professions will benefit.
The increased protection of pregnant women in body-related professions in the corona pandemic is also very important for Women's Minister Susanne Raab. “So I am glad that the time off for pregnant workers has been extended to June today. With this measure, we protect pregnant women and their unborn children wherever physical contact with other people cannot be avoided, ”emphasizes Raab.
The regulation also ensures that employers do not experience any financial losses. “We ensure that employers are reimbursed 100 percent of the wage costs,” concluded the Minister of Labor.