Labor market members based in the European Union (EU) will have the option of extending their maternity leave under revised guidelines issued by the organisation.

A new directive has been agreed by ministers from the EU's 27 member states allowing each working parent the right to at least four months' leave after the birth of adoption of a baby, which is one month more than previous legislation.

In addition, the alteration to the Parental Leave directive will offer couples better protection against discrimination and give them the right to request changes to their working hours upon returning to full employment.

Vladimir Spidla, European commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, suggested that this legislation will improve equality in the workplace.

He said: "The directive agreed upon today is a decisive contribution to allowing working parents to better balance family and work. I believe that this will strengthen women's position in employment."

Last month, the European Commission claimed that the longest downturn in EU history will lead to a peak unemployment rate of 10.9 per cent in 2011.