Major change in maternity leave: Up to 24 weeks of leave for female employees

A significant increase in maternity leave periods for female employees is on the agenda. A newly prepared legislative proposal envisions extending maternity leave durations. According to the regulation expected to be enacted, a total of 24 weeks of leave will be granted before and after childbirth. This right will cover all female employees, from academics working in higher education institutions to public and private sector employees, and from military personnel to judges and prosecutors.

Within the scope of the prepared proposal, the maternity leave periods included in the "Civil Servants Law," "Labor Law," and "Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law" are being reconsidered. Accordingly, 8 weeks of leave will be granted before birth and 16 weeks after birth. Thus, it is aimed for female employees to have a more balanced process between their work and family lives.

Civil servants, workers, state-owned enterprise (KİT) personnel, military personnel, and academics will benefit from the regulation equally. The legislative proposal, which the government has been working on for a long time, is expected to be brought to the Parliament's agenda soon.

SCOPE OF MATERNITY LEAVE EXPANDS

Within the scope of the discussions, the goal is to increase female employment and provide more support to families. AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler and Group Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta are leading the preparations. This step, which will facilitate the daily lives of female employees, is being welcomed in the business world.

The legislative proposal includes not only the extension of maternity leave but also measures regarding the safety of children on social media. The regulations, which were brought to the agenda at the AKP's Central Decision and Administrative Board with a presentation by Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, aim for children to spend time more safely in the digital environment.

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 15

To prevent risks that children may encounter on digital platforms, it will be prohibited for children under the age of 15 to open social media accounts. Furthermore, children will only be able to access games appropriate for their age. For this purpose, an identity verification system will be implemented.

Social media companies will be required to perform content filtering that takes into account children's age groups. Content unsuitable for children will not be displayed on the platforms.

News Source: 12punto