Latvia: one of every three fathers takes advantage of their paternity leave

In the three years since it’s introduction 16.5 thousand fathers have benefitted from a paternity leave; these figures are on the increase. Last year 6600 fathers took the opportunity to spend 10 days with their newborn baby, this was nearly 30% of the total number of fathers for that year. According to data by the State Social Insurance Agency, in 2005 5495 men were granted paternity benefit while in 2004 -a total of 4521. However, it is not only the number of benefit receivers that continues to increase but also the amount of benefit they are to recieve. In 2004 the amount was 77 lats, in 2005,- 84 but last year it reached an average of 103.5 lats. This may be explained by an increase in average wage insurance contribution. Taking into account that this year one of the priorities of the Ministry of Welfare is the improvement of the situation for families with children, as of next year the plan is to increase the amount of paternity benefit from 80% to 100% of the fathers average wage. Experts of the Ministry of Welfare hope that an increase of paternity benefit will motivate more fathers to spend time with their family during the first months of a child’s life. Until now paternity benefit has been awarded for 10 calendar days (during the child’s first two months). Entitlement to paternity benefit -is currently 80% of the average wage of the benefit receiver and is provided to those fathers who are socially insured.