October 25, 2010
The European Parliament has voted in favour of several measures that would strengthen maternity protection for new parents.
Members have backed plans to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay, despite opposition from UK business groups and the nation’s Government.
Business groups had previously labelled the European Parliament's maternity leave proposals "ludicrous and unwelcome", claiming that the financial damage to UK businesses, thought to be around £2.5 billion a year, would be catastrophic.
The proposals also outline the possibility of increasing paternity pay to full salary for 2 weeks.
Currently, UK employers are required to pay expectant mother’s six weeks' salary at 90% of their average earnings, followed by 33 weeks' statutory maternity pay at £125 per week. Statutory paternity pay is for one or two consecutive weeks at £124.88 or 90% of average weekly earnings if the father or guardian earns less than £97
But, before the proposals can become law they must be approved by the EU Council of Ministers.
The UK Government is lobbying against the proposals and it is unlikely that the EU Council will approve the proposals without amendment.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has criticised the Government and argued that better maternity rights result in more women returning to work after childbirth, which would benefit the economy in the long-run.
"Poorly paid maternity leave risks women feeling pressurised to go back sooner than they are ready to do so, which can mean having to accept jobs with lower status and pay or dropping out altogether,” said TUC Head of Employment Rights Sarah Veale.
"The UK economy loses £23 billion every year by failing to utilise women's skills. Extending maternity leave will help tackle this waste."
Over the coming months the UK Government’s intentions over maternity plans will become clearer. If you’re struggling to comprehend what the changes could mean to your working life consult one of our solicitors today.
