Mothers to get four weeks extra in paid maternity leave

MOTHERS will be able to take four weeks extra paid maternity leave from next month, as new provisions from the Budget kick in.

The order to increase paid maternity leave to 22 weeks next month and to 26 weeks in March next year was signed into law yesterday by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Mothers will also be able to take more unpaid maternity leave, with the length of time increasing from eight weeks to 12 weeks, and to 16 weeks next year.