HC Deb 09 July 1987 vol 119 cc198-9W
Mr. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will extend the rights to maternity leave to women working for firms with fewer than 10 employees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholls

There is no specific statutory right to maternity leave. However, an employee can earn an entitlement to statutory maternity payments for a period of up to 18 weeks for her maternity absence and. separately, a right to return to her former job.

There is no exemption for small firms in the statutory maternity pay provisions. Firms with fewer than six employees are exempt from the obligations to reinstate, but only if it is not reasonably practicable for them to take the employee back. There are no plans to remove this exemption.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State tot Employment whether his Department has assessed the effects of the implementation of the White Paper. "Building Businesses—Not Barriers," on the rights to maternity leave of women employed at establishments with 10 or fewer employees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholls

There is no specific statutory right to maternity leave. However, an employee can earn an entitlement to statutory maternity payments for a period of up to 18 weeks, of her maternity absence arid, separately, a right to return to her former job.

The proposals in the White Paper would affect the right of women working in firms with fewer than 10 employees to return to work, but not their entitlement to statutory maternity pay.

It is difficult to estimate how many expectant mothers would subsequently fail to qualify for the right to return to work if these proposals were implemented. However, it is likely to be few as only a small proportion of those who leave work to have a baby seek to return to their former job.

The proposals in the White Paper are still under consideration.