A European Union (EU) committee has called for the extension of minimum maternity leave in the region to 20 weeks.

The Women's Rights Committee published a report suggesting that member states should raise maternity leave from the current level of 14 weeks and should also pay individuals 100 per cent of their monthly salary.

The 20-week proposals, which will now go before the full European parliament next month, have raised concerns among business groups that employers could discriminate against women of child-bearing age if the rules are passed.

Lord Young, the UK's employment minister, explained that the legislation must balance the needs of businesses and employees.

He told the Financial Times: "A substantial increase in maternity leave paid at full or near-full pay risks undermining this delicate balance at a time when economies across the EU can least afford it."

Earlier this month, the European Commission claimed that the deterioration of the EU's labor market has moderated in recent months - with the region's average unemployment rate reaching 9.6 per cent in December.