On 01 November 2023, there were some important legal changes in Austria (see our articles on parental leave as well as on parenthood and care). Another new entitlement to time off was introduced at the same time, it is for the purpose of accompanying children on stays at rehabilitation facilities, and it is briefly described below:
Since 01 November 2023, workers have been entitled to time off if an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation facility has been approved by the social security institution for their child.
The term "child" includes biological children as well as adopted or foster children and the biological children of a spouse, registered partner or life partner if they are under the age of 14.
The entitlement to release from work is for a maximum of four weeks per child and calendar year. In principle, it is not permitted for both parents to take time off at the same time. However, rehabilitation leave can be shared between the carers if the duration of each stage of rehabilitation is at least one week. If it is necessary for both parents to attend for therapeutic reasons, both parents may make use of their entitlement to release from work at the same time.
Parents are protected from termination of employment with or without notice until four weeks after the end of the rehabilitation stay.
The KWR Employment Law Team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the changes.