WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has called for the furlough scheme to be expanded to cover maternity suspensions on full pay.
Ms Nichols, who is also Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, called for the change during a Parliamentary economic update.
The change is supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,the Royal Society of Midwives, the TUC and Maternity Action.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak answered by stating that “there are specific provisions in place in guidance for employers for calculating pay with respect to periods of maternity.
“Hopefully, those are clear, but I am very happy to look into the hon Lady’s specific point.”
In response, Ms Nichols said: “The medical advice is clear that women who are 28 weeks or more pregnant should effectively self-isolate due to the increased risk of contracting Covid-19 and resulting risks to their health and the health of their babies. “Such a measure would be a small sum of money in the overall cost of the scheme, and would end the unfairness that exists to heavily pregnant or otherwise medically vulnerable pregnant women.
“I’m pleased that the Chancellor will look into this and I look forward to changes being made promptly.”
Today I asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer about amending the furlough scheme in line with calls from @MaternityAction, @The_TUC, @RCObsGyn and @MidwivesRCM to cover the cost of maternity suspension on full pay for women 28 weeks+ pregnant or otherwise medically advised to 👇 pic.twitter.com/c5IReNuBF8
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) January 11, 2021
