EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
International study finds wide variations in maternity benefits
Greece, Luxembourg and the UK have the lowest level of statutory maternity pay in the EU, according to new research from Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
The most generous allowances are given in Denmark and Italy. The comparisons are based on statutory pay built up over six months of maternity leave.
For a woman earning £15,000 a year, total pay accumulated after six months' maternity leave would be:
Based on the same example, average statutory maternity pay across the EU for six months leave is £4,198.
About the report
The research is part of Mercer's analysis of employment conditions and benefits in 60 countries worldwide.
Worldwide Benefit and Employment Guidelines is produced annually in four volumes - Americas, Asia, Eastern Europe and Western Europe. The reports cover 60 countries, analysing their respective employment practices such as contracts of employment, working time, occupational health and safety, and industrial relations.
They also report on statutory and typical occupational benefit practices including retirement, medical, health, death and disability benefits together with maternity, unemployment and other social benefits.
Want to know more?
Title: Worldwide Benefit and Employment Guidelines 2002/03, Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Availability: The reports are priced as follows: $4,000 for all four volumes, $900 for the Americas and $1,200 for each of the Asia, Eastern Europe and Western Europe volumes. Copies of the report are available from Mercer Client Services, tel: +41 22 869 3000, or email: client.services.geneva@mercer.com
Mercer Human Resource Consulting is a global firm that "helps organisations create business value through their people". It employs more than 13,000 employees in some 40 countries serving clients worldwide. To find out more visit www.mercerhr.com
Posted 24 January 2003