PL MP: Government should give parents of babies in intensive care special leave
Romilda Zarb said Malta should follow the example of the UK, where parents of newborns in neonatal care are granted up to 12 weeks of paid leave
Labour MP Romilda Zarb has called on the government to introduce special leave for parents whose newborn children are admitted to intensive care, after recalling her personal experience.
Speaking in Parliament, Zarb said that when her son was taken to the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU), shortly after birth, her partner eventually ran out of paternity leave.
“You end up in a situation where you have to choose between being present and financial stability,” she said.
Zarb, a PL MP who is not part of the government, urged authorities to address the issue, arguing that the current parental leave entitlements are inadequate when a newborn requires neonatal care.
“Paternal leave for fathers is only 10 days, and maternity leave is four months,” Zarb told Parliament on Wednesday.
She added that both mothers and fathers are entitled to four months of parental leave, two of which are paid, but these are intended to cover the child’s first eight years.
“Parents can also take urgent family leave, which is 32 hours, or four days.”
Zarb said Malta should follow the example of recent legislation in the United Kingdom, where parents of newborns in neonatal care are granted up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
Andy Ellul, the junior minister responsible for workers' rights, said Zarb's proposal should be taken seriously.
"I spoke with Romilda today so that together we can explore how to continue creating new rights and improving the conditions of our families and workers."