EU Pregnancy Directive

This paper details the Commission's position on some of the key issues in the second reading of the Pregnant Workers Directive proposal, expanding on the position papers published in April 2009 and February 2010.

Introduction

This policy briefing updates the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s position on the EU reconciliation agenda, following the latest round of amendments proposed by the European Parliament to the reviewed Council Directive 92/85/EC also known as the Pregnant Workers Directive (PWD).

Based on the evidence presented in our Working Better reports, we outline how a comprehensive and modern reconciliation agenda is an essential component of European economic and social policy. It can help promote economic recovery and growth as well as inclusive and efficient labour markets, and provides a sensible response to the demographic and cultural changes which impact how people balance work and family life in modern Europe.

This paper primarily outlines the social and long term economic benefits of a modern reconciliation policy. However we recognise member states’ concerns about the short term costs of this agenda at this time of economic downturn in Europe. The European Commission’s original draft of the PWD allows for a minimum standard of 18 weeks maternity leave across the EU and endorses ‘the principle of full pay.’ This would enable member states to sign up to the principle that leave should be fully paid while allowing them to budget for how to achieve this in their own time based on their own economic circumstances. MEPs on the European Parliament’s Women’s Committee would like to go further, and possibly legislate for full pay now. Although we believe that full pay is an essential part of a workable and just reconciliation agenda, we take no view on these two different institutional positions. This paper seeks to contribute to an open and honest debate about reconciliation policy which measures estimated costs with prospective benefits and to help MEPs and member states arrive at a mutually agreeable position, without sacrificing the key principles at stake in this agenda.

Download the full position paper(Word).

Download the previous position paper [February 2010] (Word)

Last Updated: 10 Dec 2015