Absence levels because of instances of illness are higher among women who have had children than fathers.

This is finding of a new report from researchers in Sweden, which indicated the level of sickness leave among mothers rises after their first child is born and continues to remain higher than their male counterparts for up to 15 years afterwards.

According to the report by the Institute of Labour Market Policy Evaluation, the number of days' absence paid to women in the country stood at 14.5 million during the first six months of 2008, compared with 9.2 million for men.

Per Johansson, one of the study's authors, suggested: "Gainful employment, combined with women taking a larger responsibility for children and family, might be an explanation."

The study concludes this trend is one that can be seen in nations that have large numbers of women in work.

Before having children, men and women's levels of sickness leave were found to be relatively similar.

In December, ministers opposed proposals from the EU Parliament to provide women with 20 weeks fully-paid maternity leave, raising concerns about the impact of such a move on business costs.

Posted by Kate Griffin