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Green Light for Higher Parental Benefits

Labour market organizations have reached a deal on raising parental benefits. The revised law is aimed at improving the status of those working in female-dominated sectors and increasing fathers' involvement in child care.

The groups are taking part in a Ministry of Social Affairs and Health committee, which plans to increase maternity and paternity leave benefits next year.

If the plan becomes law, mothers will receive 90 percent of their regular pay while on maternity leave, rather than 70 percent now. Paternity leave will rise to 80 percent of normal wages. Paternity leave will also be made more flexible.

The changes are to be paid for by raising employers' and employees' health insurance fees slightly.

Sources: YLE24, Finnish News Agency