Child-care allowance in the works

Working parents are likely to receive about 30 percent of their regular pay in the form of a child care allowance out of the employment insurance fund during leaves of absence to take care of their infants in the latter part of next year.

The Ministry of Labor announced Monday that it is seeking 25.7 billion won out of the employment insurance fund management program to financially assist working parents to take child-care leave.

Unlike parental leave, child-care leave cannot draw pay from the employer at present, thus discouraging workers from taking it. A parent is eligible for child care leave if one of the spouses has subscribed to employment insurance. So far only a husband and wife who both have subscribed to such insurance could apply for the leave.

According to the ministry, maternity leave will be extended from the current 60 days to 90 days, and workers may request a special leave in the future to take care of their sick family members.

These measures are being promoted by the government to expand aid and welfare for working parents -- working mothers in particular.

kjs359@donga.com