Protection for women in salaried employment while pregnant or on maternity leave

Act No 1,469 of 17 June 2019, amending Act No 870 of 17 July 1969 on work for women in salaried employment while pregnant or on maternity leave, was published in Monaco’s Official Journal on 28 June 2019. 

Like some of its European neighbours, Monaco’s law maker has decided to strengthen the protection regime for women in salaried employment while pregnant or on maternity leave, with two flagship measures.

First, the length of the maternity leave has been extended from 16 to 18 weeks, by adding two further weeks to the postnatal leave period.

Secondly, women in salaried employment can now postpone up to six weeks of their antenatal leave to their postnatal leave period, which can therefore last for up to 16 weeks.

This amendment came into effect on 29 June 2019. Employers must now incorporate it into their business, operationally as well as in HR terms.

It is also worth noting that the National Council has already announced its intention to introduce a bill on paternity leave.