One of the Prime Minister’s most trusted advisors has sparked controversy by apparently suggesting that maternity leave should be scrapped.
Steve Hilton, a controversial figure, who often walks around 10 Downing Street without his shoes on, is said to have suggested the idea during talks on cutting down on red tape and bureaucracy to aid growth in the economy. He apparently told colleagues that current laws on maternity leave, which allow women to have a year off work, are preventing women finding work. It was also alleged that Hilton is keen to see consumer rights legislation suspended for nine months to assess its impact.
However sources within Downing Street dismissed the ideas as “blue sky thinking” and said there was no realistic prospect of them being introduced.
