The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to numerous
measures within the scope of employment law. On 20 November 2020,
the Austrian National Council introduced an entitlement to special
care leave.
In simplified terms, the special care leave under Section 18b
AVRAG (Act Governing Adjustments to Employment Law) is to ensure
care of children, disabled persons, and dependents in need of care
if the carer has no other claim to care leave. Previously, the
special care leave required an agreement between employee and
employer subject to specific prerequisites, but the amendment of 20
November 2020 provides for the employee to be legally entitled to
such leave for the period from 1 November 2020 to the end of the
2020/2021 school year without the need for an employer/employee
arrangement.
