Paid maternity leave could be extended by five weeks before the end of the year, the House of Assembly heard yesterday.

Lovitta Foggo, the labour, community affairs and sports minister, told MPs that maternity leave would be increased from eight weeks to 13 weeks for women who have been employed for a year or more.

Fathers, who had no provision for paternity leave, will be entitled to five days paid paternity leave and five days unpaid.

Ms Foggo also said the Government would aim to adopt zero tolerance of violence and harassment in workplaces.

• To read Lovitta Foggo’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”