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European Commission proposals to amend the Pregnant Workers Directive
Starting Date: 24-03-09
Closing Date: 22-06-09
BIS is seeking views on the European Commission's proposal to amend the Pregnant Workers Directive (92/85/EEC).The European Commission published the proposal to amend the Pregnant Workers Directive in October 2008. The Directive sets down minimum levels of maternity rights, including leave and pay, which Member States must provide. The Commission’s aim is to contribute to better work life balance through improving the protections offered to pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding.
As part of its policies to support working parents, the UK Government has built on the minimum standards set out in the existing Directive and provides a longer period of maternity leave and a higher rate of maternity pay than is currently required.
We welcome your views on the Commission’s proposal to change the minimum standards set out in the Directive, including the likely costs and benefits. Your views will inform the UK Government’s ongoing negotiations which will take account of existing UK provisions.
This consultation is still under review by the government. A summary will be published in Spring 2010.
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