Guernsey maternity leave plans 'must be assessed'

The impact of statutory maternity leave on small businesses in Guernsey must be considered before it is introduced, a deputy has said.

Proposals to give new mothers up to six months maternity leave are due to go before the States later this year.

Deputy Sean McManus said improving the current offer was the right move.

However, he said the States needed to be fully aware of the consequences of bringing in the law.

He said: "For small jurisdictions and for small companies operating within those jurisdictions these things come with a price tag and the price tag is often a deterrent.

"Because of that deterrent there is an in-built resistance to it.

"You want to bring people back into the workforce, but not at the cost of bringing up a family - you have to be able to give youngsters the chance as well."