Swedish fathers to get third month of paid paternity leave
Sweden is planning to introduce a third month of paid parental leave reserved for fathers as of 2016, in a bid to further increase gender equality, the country’s government has announced.
Sweden offers a generous 16-month parental leave which can be taken by either mothers or fathers, with two months of that set aside for dads. Parents receive 80% of their salary while on leave, capped at a salary ceiling of around €4,000 (£2,900) per month.
Parental leave can be used at any time before the child’s eighth birthday. Children are guaranteed a place in childcare from the age of 12 months for a very modest sum, making it possible for women to return to work.
The minority Social Democratic government plans to present its bill to parliament in the autumn, and it is expected to pass with the support of the Left and Liberal parties.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/28/swedish-fathers-paid-paternity-parental-leave
Sweden's per capita GDP is ~$41,000 while in the US it is almost $55,000. Yet in Sweden income equality is much better and more emphasis is put on social programs and a strong middle class.
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