According to a new survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, the UK has the lowest level of statutory maternity pay in the European Union. The most generous allowances are given in Denmark and Italy, according to the survey which was based on comparing statutory pay built up over six months of maternity leave. However the UK maternity leave is generous when compared to the US, which does not offer any statutory pay. Instead workers in the US may receive short-term disability or sick leave benefits.
See "UK maternity pay 'poorest' in Europe", BBC News Online, January 15, 2003