Study: those taking longer maternity leave earn less upon return to work

Mothers who stay at home with children for a shorter period tend to earn more upon returning to work than those who take longer maternity leaves, according to a new study, the daily Hospodářské noviny reported.

Under current law, a parental leave benefit is paid monthly for a period of up to four years. Parents can opt to draw down more money over a shorter period, with the monthly allowance currently capped at 32,640 crowns.

The new study by economist Barbara Pertold-Gebická found that mothers with a university education take shorter maternity leaves.