Extending fully paid maternity leave to 20 weeks could lead to discrimination against women deemed most likely to become pregnant, it has been claimed.
The EU's proposed Pregnant Workers Directive has fuelled a storm of debate with objectors suggesting it could land small companies with unaffordable bills that they would look to find a way around. Estimates are that extending maternity leave on full pay to 20 weeks would cost the economy over £2 billion and would hit small firms particularly hard. Small business groups feel that many just couldn't afford to pay it, so might be tempted to avoid employing women they think may become pregnant.
UK government is campaigning against the EU proposal, which would enable new mothers to take five months off work on full pay. The German government is also strongly opposed to the extension, while countries backing the move include Portugal - a country that may well need an emergency loan from the European Central Bank.
Edward Davey, minister for employment relations, is visiting Brussels this week to lobby against the Pregnant Workers Directive on behalf of the UK government.
APA would be keen to know what Members think.
The EU's proposed Pregnant Workers Directive has fuelled a storm of debate with objectors suggesting it could land small companies with unaffordable bills that they would look to find a way around. Estimates are that extending maternity leave on full pay to 20 weeks would cost the economy over £2 billion and would hit small firms particularly hard. Small business groups feel that many just couldn't afford to pay it, so might be tempted to avoid employing women they think may become pregnant.
UK government is campaigning against the EU proposal, which would enable new mothers to take five months off work on full pay. The German government is also strongly opposed to the extension, while countries backing the move include Portugal - a country that may well need an emergency loan from the European Central Bank.
Edward Davey, minister for employment relations, is visiting Brussels this week to lobby against the Pregnant Workers Directive on behalf of the UK government.
APA would be keen to know what Members think.
APA
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