EU maternity plans ‘unaffordable’ says business group

European plans to change maternity rights will cost UK firms £2.5bn a year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) warned in September 2010.

However, others insist that it is wrong to allow policy to be influenced by temporary economic downturns.

The European Commission published a proposal to amend the Pregnant Workers Directive (92/85/EEC) in October 2008. The Directive sets down minimum levels of maternity rights, including leave and pay, which member states must provide.

The proposal extends the period of maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks. It also introduces the principle of full pay during maternity leave with member states able to specify a ceiling (which must be equal to statutory sick pay).

The Women's Rights Committee of the European Parliament subsequently agreed amendments to the Commission proposal whereby maternity leave would be extended to 20 weeks on full pay. The members of the European Parliament will vote on these amendments in Strasbourg on 18th October 2010.

BCC: Press Release, 17.9.10: European plans to change maternity rights will cost UK £2.5 billion http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 92/85/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-directive-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-amending-council-directive-92-85-eec-on-the-introduction-of-measures-to-encourage-improvements-in-the-safety-and-health-at-work-o/

European Parliament: DG for Internal Policies: Study: Fully paid maternity leave for 18 and 20 weeks. Impact assessment, 2010 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201107/20110718ATT24268/20110718ATT24268EN.pdf

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