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EU Maternity Benefits May Triple

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Mar 13, 2009 6:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Maternity leave benefits in the EU are set to triple if a new proposal goes through, the Telegraph reports. New moms would see a bump from 14 to 18 weeks of paid leave under the plan and would get a full paycheck during that time—rather than lower sick-pay rates. Business groups have criticized the timing of the proposal, and UK officials say they will attempt to veto the measure.

[Images (1)]

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New mothers in the EU may see their maternity leave benefits triple under a new proposal. (Shutterstock)

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Given that the mortgage, rent, cost of food continues when people are on maternity leave—and there are also the cost increases from a new baby—it would make sense from our point of view.
- EU spokeswoman Katharina
von Schnurbein

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