The UK Government have joined a number of other Member States to lobby against proposals by MEPs for 20 weeks of maternity leave at full pay. The Government argues that the proposed amendments to the Pregnant Workers Directive come at a time when Europe can least afford it.
Following the European Parliament’s position, agreed in October 2010, to amend the Pregnant Workers Directive to provide for, among other things, 20 weeks of maternity leave at full pay, the proposals have now come before Ministers of the 27 EU Member States to consider their position. The UK has joined the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden in signing a formal statement expressing concern about the proposals. Discussions on the proposed Directive can go no further unless Ministers agree a Common Position.
The UK Government is concerned that the measures proposed by MEPs for 20 weeks of maternity leave at full pay will result in considerable costs to Member States when they can least afford it. It is estimated that the proposals would cost the UK alone more than £2 billion per year. Ministers also believe the proposals to be socially regressive.
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