VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Women who suffer a miscarriage will be entitled to seven days of fully paid leave under a new government proposal, which also extends the same benefit to their partners. The initiative, presented by Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, aims to provide support without imposing financial burdens on employers. Leave payments will be covered entirely by the government and based on the national median wage.
The policy will apply across both public and private sectors, including part-time workers, agency staff, the self-employed, and same-sex couples. Employees will only need a medical certificate from a gynaecologist to qualify—no further personal or medical disclosures are required. Ellul emphasized that compassionate handling by employers is key. New guidelines will be issued to promote discretion and respect, and all employees taking leave will retain their job rights and protection from discrimination.
Recognising the emotional toll of miscarriage, the government will also offer psychological support to affected couples. A national anonymous registry will be set up to track the uptake of the leave, helping shape future improvements to the policy.
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