Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have been debating provisions for maternity and paternity leave across the union.

The talks related to the relative costs and benefits of providing 18 or 20 weeks fully-paid maternity leave and two weeks for paternity leave at full pay.

A joint workshop in the subject was held with MEPs and experts in the field by the European Parliament and discussions concentrated on a recent impact assessment carried out by Ramboll Consulting Group on the potential for extending maternity leave.

Author of the study Heening Thomsen explained costs currently vary between member states because of different regulations, with expenses potentially reduced by replacing more women on maternity leave and boosting production levels.

Speaking at the meeting, Konstantina Davaki of the London School of Economics and Political Science cautioned: "Too much focus on costs may obscure other less tangible benefits such as health effects as well as socio-economic benefits like the fertility rate and reducing the risk of child poverty."

Two European Union committees have variously proposed establishing an 18 week and a 20 week period of fully paid maternity leave, prompting the impact assessment.

Posted by Sarah Dixon