Delegates representing about 2,500,000 women trade unionists called yesterday for employers to allow at least three months paid leave for working mothers after the birth of their babies. The 250 delegates at the TUC women's conference at Weston-Super-Mare also called for the right to have jobs kept open.
Mrs Christine Page, of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said: "Because of the economic uncertainty of some families, we are asking for this maternity leave to be negotiated in all agreements in all industries where women are working."
Privately owned employment agencies should be banned, the conference urged. Miss Jessie Stephen, of Bristol, a member of the TUC women's advisory committee, said: "These back-street, fee-snatching agencies are operating in a way that is pernicious and parasitic."
A resolution calling for a working week of 35 hours or less was carried.
