The WIEG Scheme: Paid Parental Leave for Leiden Families
The WIEG scheme (Paid Parental Leave Act) provides working parents in Leiden with nine weeks of paid leave upon the birth of their baby. This is in addition to standard birth leave and is available to both parents. The leave benefit is 70% of your daily wage (with a maximum) and is provided by the UWV. Since 1 August 2022, this law has helped Leiden parents spend more quality time with their newborn, for example after a delivery at the LUMC.
What Does the WIEG Scheme Mean for You in Leiden?
In Leiden, the WIEG scheme supplements the national leave system with paid parental leave. Previously, fathers and partners only had unpaid parental leave or a short paid birth leave of five days. Now both parents can take nine consecutive weeks, largely paid. This must be taken within one year of the birth and can be scheduled flexibly in consultation with your employer (for example, at Leiden University or the Municipality of Leiden), as long as it is continuous.
The law promotes a fair division of work and home care responsibilities. It focuses primarily on the mother's partner, but mothers can also use it after their maternity and birth leave.
Legal Basis of the WIEG Scheme
The WIEG scheme is set out in the Paid Parental Leave Act, which amends the Work and Care Act (WAZO). Relevant provisions include:
- Article 1:1(1) WAZO: Describes parental leave.
- Article 2:1 WAZO: Establishes the nine-week period.
- Article 6:1 WAZO: Regulates the UWV benefit.
This complies with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. The maximum daily wage for 2024 is € 274.44, based on the Sickness Benefits Act.
Conditions for WIEG Leave in Leiden
To qualify for the WIEG scheme in Leiden, you must meet these requirements:
- You are employed (including on-call workers with ≥26 weeks of service).
- Your child was born on or after 1 August 2022.
- Taken within 52 weeks of birth.
- Notify your employer at least 4 weeks in advance.
- Apply for the benefit from the UWV before the first day of leave.
Self-employed workers in Leiden (ZZP'ers) are not entitled to UWV benefits but do have leave rights with clients.
Rights and Obligations under WIEG in Leiden
Your Rights as an Employee
- Nine weeks of part-time leave (up to 50% of normal hours).
- Protection against dismissal during and shortly after leave.
- UWV benefit: 70% of social insurance daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
Your Obligations
- Must be taken continuously.
- Inform your employer well in advance.
- Forward the UWV decision to your employer.
Practical Examples of the WIEG Scheme in Leiden
Example 1: Father Mark from Leiden works 40 hours per week at Leiden University. His child is born on 1 September 2023. He takes WIEG leave from 2 January to 26 February 2024 (9 weeks). With a daily wage of € 200, he receives 45 days x € 140 (70%), totaling € 6,300 gross. His employer may top it up.
Example 2: Mother Lisa at the Municipality of Leiden has 12 weeks of maternity leave. She then takes 9 weeks of WIEG, reducing to 50% of her 24 hours/week.
Comparison with Other Leave Entitlements
| Scheme | Duration | Paid | For Whom | When Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Leave | 1 week (5 days) | 100% employer salary | Partner | Within 4 weeks of birth |
| WIEG Scheme | 9 weeks | 70% UWV (max daily wage) | Both parents | Within 1 year |
| Parental Leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Both parents | Until child is 8 |
| Adoption Leave | 6 weeks | 100% UWV | Both parents | Within 1 year of adoption |
Applying for WIEG Leave: Step-by-Step Guide for Leiden
- Notify your employer of the leave (at least 4 weeks in advance).
- Apply for the benefit on UWV.nl using DigiD (ideally 8 weeks beforehand).
- Send the UWV decision to your employer.
- Enjoy your leave and receive weekly benefits.
Perhaps Also of Interest
Read more about Paid Parental Leave (WIEG), Maternity Leave or Birth Leave in Leiden.
Frequently Asked Questions about WIEG in Leiden
Can I spread out WIEG weeks?
No, it must be taken continuously. Part-time up to 50% is possible.
What if my employer refuses?
Not allowed if notified in time. Contact Het Juridisch Loket Leiden or the District Court of Leiden in case of disputes.
Does WIEG apply to adoption?
No, only for birth. Adoption has its own leave.
Does my employer top up the pay?
Not required, but often via collective agreement. Check your contract.
Tips for Leiden Parents
- Plan early with your employer to avoid conflicts.
- Seek free advice from Het Juridisch Loket Leiden.
- Check local collective agreements at the university or municipality for extras.
- Use DigiD for quick UWV applications.