A proposal to allow parents to use their sick leave when children are unwell will have to be discussed by social partners before being implemented, Justice Minister Chris Said announced yesterday.

The idea, which is being proposed by both political parties and has already been shot down by employers, will first be discussed at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development before coming into force.

Dr Said stressed the proposal was aimed at making it easier for women to continue working.

It would also discourage abuse because working parents would be aware that they might need the entitlement should their children fall ill.

Employers were vociferous in their opposition to the measure, saying it encouraged staff absence from work rather than higher productivity.

Dr Said was addressing a news conference on jobs during which he recalled the way the Government had created 20,000 jobs in the past five years.

He said that while the PN Government had created these jobs in the midst of the financial crisis, it was aiming to create 25,000 others in the next five years.

He spoke about the reduction in income tax bands and the promise to reduce the maximum tax rate from 35 to 25 per cent over the next three years.

With 153,000 people working, this was the highest-ever number of full-time employees.

While fielding questions, Dr Said declared he had never received any gifts from rogue oil dealer George Farrugia but would not vouch for other Cabinet members as he could not speak on their behalf.