A number of Premier League clubs have been criticized for "failing to support women working in football" after an investigation revealed that "almost half of the top flight offer only statutory maternity leave to female employees," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. Nine of the 20 Premier League clubs pay the legal minimum maternity cover "rather than providing contractual maternity pay." One leading club has a policy of "offering a significant financial bonus" to female staff returning to work within six months of giving birth, but pay "only statutory maternity leave to those who do not comply with these conditions." As a result, one senior female exec "left the club and no longer works in football." Of the nine Premier League clubs offering only statutory maternity pay -- 90% of their pay for six weeks followed by £145.18 ($189.63) a week for 33 weeks -- three are "reviewing their policy with a view to copying the other 11 who provide an enhanced package." All of the big six clubs offer "better maternity provision," as do the Premier League and the FA (LONDON TIMES, 7/18).
