Insights: Maternity Rights in Cyprus / Maternity Right Protection

An employed pregnant woman is entitled to maternity leave for 18 consecutive weeks.  Nine of the weeks must be taken within the period beginning on the second week before the week of expected childbirth.

Female employees who adopt a child under the age of 12 years and who has notified the Department of Social Welfare Services of the adoption are entitled to 16 continuous weeks maternity leave starting immediately from the date on which care of the child begins. The employee has an obligation to inform her employer, at least six weeks in advance, of her intention to adopt a child and of the date of taking the care of the child.

Insights: Employee Restraint of Trade & Confidentiality

Under Cyprus law there is an implied duty of fidelity that is the basis for the existence of a contract of employment. An employee during the course of the employment relationship must offer his services to in a trustworthy and faithful manner. Covenants not to compete, solicit or act in a manner which is prejudicial to his or her employer’s interests for the duration of the employment may be implied even if they are not expressed on the employment agreement.

Employment Law Update: Regulation (EU) 2019/1149 establishing a European Labour Authority

Regulation (EU) 2019/1149 setting up the European Labour Authority (ELA) came into force on 01.08.2019. The ELA will be based in Bratislava (Slovakia) and will aim to facilitate access for individuals and employers to information on their rights and obligations, support cooperation between national authorities in cross-border situations, by helping them ensure that the EU rules that protect and regulate mobility are easily and effectively followed and to provide mediation and facilitate solutions in case of cross-border disputes, such as in the event of company restructuring involving several Member States.

Employment Law Update: Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers

The Directive was published on the 12.07.2019 and comes into force on the 01.08.2019. The directive has to be implemented into national law by the 2.08.2022 at the latest.

The Directive “lays down minimum requirements designed to achieve equality between men and women with regard to labour market opportunities and treatment at work, by facilitating the reconciliation of work and family life for workers who are parents, or carers”.