UK maternity pay 'poorest' in Europe

The United Kingdom is one of the worst places in Europe to have a baby, according to a new survey.

It's a step in the right direction as far as maternity rights are concerned, but there is still a long way to go

Gary Bowker, Mercer

Research by Mercer Human Resource Consulting says the UK, along with Greece and Luxembourg, are the countries with the lowest level of statutory maternity pay in the European Union.

The most generous allowances are given in Denmark and Italy, according to a survey which was based on comparing statutory pay built up over six months of maternity leave.

From 6 April 2003, mothers will get new maternity rights in the UK, but the changes will still keep the UK in the "bottom rung" of provision in the EU, Mercer said.

Wide gap

For a woman earning £15,000 a year, total pay accumulated after 6 months' maternity leave would be just £1,250 in Greece, £1,845 in Luxembourg, and £2,458 in the UK.

Maternity leave?

Sweden: 96 weeks

Denmark: 50 weeks

Italy: 47 weeks

Finland: 44 weeks

UK: 40 weeks

Belgium: 15 weeks

Germany: 14 weeks

Yet the entitlements in Denmark, Italy and Sweden would be as much as £6,756, £6,058 and £6,000 respectively.

In April 2003, the UK maternity benefit allowance will increase.

According to Mercer, the increase will mean about £1,000 extra for someone earning £15,000 over the course of six months' leave.

Gary Bowker, employment law consultant at Mercer, said it would still mean the UK was in the "bottom rung" of EU provision.

Mr Bowker told BBC News Online: "It's a step in the right direction as far as maternity rights are concerned but there is still a long way to go."

From April stautory maternity pay will be extended from 18 weeks to 26 weeks.

Maternity pay will be paid at 90% of pay for the first six weeks and £100 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if this is less) for 20 weeks.

"For many people it will be difficult to take the full entitlement because it will mean half a year on minimum pay," said Mr Bowker

Better than many

But while the UK's maternity benefits may be among the poorest in Europe, it is better than in many other countries.

Women in Australia do not receive any statutory maternity benefits, and receive a government allowance of £285.

In the United States, women are not entitled to any statutory pay - they may receive short-term disability or sick leave benefits instead.