Minister, Eduardo Cabrita, announced the plans after a meeting with unions and employers where they were submitted for discussion.
The extension of obligatory leave for fathers is to go along with a five-day reduction in the optional leave that follows it, so that the overall length of leave would remain 25 work days.
In addition, the government is proposing to extend parental leave when a new-born child is kept in hospital. At present, the law foresees the suspension of the initial financial benefits, but the government is now proposing an extension of the initial benefit, up to a maximum of 30 days.
Cabrita told journalists that there was “overall a very positive reception” for the proposals from unions and employees, who are to respond in writing within two weeks.