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FSB persuades EOC to think small first

The FSB has described the Equal Opportunities Commission's call for measures to help small businesses administer maternity leave as a "massive boost for small firms."

Small businesses respect parental rights but the administration of statutory maternity leave can be a major headache.

Although the government meets the direct costs of maternity pay, employers are left footing the bill for recruiting and training temporary cover as well dealing with the loss of a key member of staff and not knowing when they are likely to return.

Proposals, outlined below, in today's EOC report into discrimination against pregnant workers would do much to improve the situation, the FSB said.

  • employers to have the right to ask pregnant employees to give a clear indication of when they intend to return to work
  • financial support for businesses to cover for recruitment costs

Peter Firth, who represented the FSB on the EOC investigation's committee, said:

"We welcome the report's realistic approach to the problems faced by smaller firms in managing pregnancy.

"The proposal to allow employers to ask the question about a return date will give firms the much needed certainty they desire in running the business.

"Equally vital is the recommendation to the government for financial support for micro employers to cover such items as recruitment costs. This is a major boost for small firms"

"We are pleased that the EOC has decided to think small first when it comes to pregnancy in the workplace."



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Federation of Small Businesses

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