UK lags on maternity


The UK is in the relegation zone for decently-paid maternity leave in Europe, warns the TUC, as UK mums get one of the lowest periods.


A new TUC analysis finds that the UK ranks 22 out of 24 among the European countries that offer statutory maternity leave. 


While mums in the UK only get six weeks’ decently-paid maternity leave, most European countries offer three months or more:


• six months: Croatia;


• more than four months: Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic; and


• more than three months: Estonia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Malta and Switzerland.


The only European countries offering less decently-paid maternity leave than the UK are Ireland and Slovakia, where mums do not get any decently-paid time off.


TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The UK is in the relegation zone when it comes to decently-paid maternity leave.


“Many Europeans countries offer decent support to new mums. But lots of parents here are forced back to work early to pay the bills.


“My advice to all new mums is to join a union. It is the best way to improve your pay and conditions.”


Rosalind Bragg, director of the Maternity Action charity, said: “Without adequate maternity pay, women’s choices are limited and many cannot afford to take their leave entitlements. We should be investing in support for pregnant women and new families.”


www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/gender-equality/pregnancy-discrimination/uk-relegation-zone-decently-paid-maternity