One of five days of carers leave will be paid, Parliamentary secretary responsible for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul has said.

All employees have the right to unpaid carers' leave of five (5) working days per year, to provide personal care or support for a serious medical reason in certain scenarios.

Answering a question by PL MP Roseanne Cutajar, Ellul said that just days after changes brought about thanks to the European directive concerning work - life balance, the government 'was a bit adventurous' and said that one of these days was to be paid.

Additionally he said that thanks to this directive, parental leave has now been increased to four months, two of which are paid and the rest transferable. He said that paternal leave has also increased to 10 days "to help the father be more involved in the first few days after the mother gives birth".

Ellul said that he has met with concerned entities and explained to them that the government wants to try and create a balance between the employer and the employee.