Under current rules, women are allowed to take 52 weeks leave, with 39 weeks of these on statutory maternity pay. Men can take two weeks paid paternity leave.
The FSB said that while many women benefit from the full length of maternity leave, 37% of lower paid workers tend to go back to work within six months, compared to 11% on higher pay.
In its report “Flexible Working: small business solutions”, the FSB calls on the Government to introduce a “flexible leave” system that allows parents to choose their leave arrangements and to receive full statutory pay for that period.
This would boost employer confidence about a skilled employee's return to work and help to clarify the current system.
