Maternity pay in the UK is the third lowest in the European Union, according to a study published today.

Only Greece and Luxembourg have lower rates while the most generous allowances are given in Denmark and Italy, a study by Mercer Human Resource Consulting has revealed.

Based on statutory pay built up over six months of maternity leave, a woman living in the UK earning £15,000 a year, would receive £2,458.

First-time prospective mothers earning the equivalent in Greece would receive £1,250, while a mother in Luxembourg would get £1,845.

The entitlements in Denmark, Italy and Sweden would be £6,756, £6,058 and £6,000 respectively.

Using the same example, average statutory maternity pay across the EU for six months' leave was £4,198.

Outside the European Union, the highest level of benefits was offered by Norway, where a woman earning £15,000 annually would receive £7,500 during six months' leave.

In terms of the length of maternity leave offered, Britain fared much more favourably against its EU partners, offering 40 weeks (22 of them unpaid).

Only Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Finland were more generous, offering 96, 50, 47 and 44 weeks respectively.

In contrast, German women were only entitled to 14 weeks' leave. Similarly, provision in Belgium was low, at 15 weeks.

Gary Bowker employment law consultant at Mercer said: "There is not always a correlation between the length of maternity leave and the benefit levels provided. Some countries offer long leave entitlements but low statutory pay and women may not be able to afford to take extended leave."

On the issue of payment he said: "With the Government's emphasis on family-friendly policies, it's surprising that UK statutory benefits are so much lower than in the rest of the EU."

However, the British Government is taking steps to increase entitlements. In April 2003, statutory maternity pay will rise from 18 weeks (6 weeks at 90 per cent of pay and £75 for the remaining 12 weeks) to 26 weeks (where the remaining 20 weeks will be paid at £100 a week).

Leave is to rise from 40 weeks to 52 weeks (half of which will be unpaid).

An Equal Opportunities Commission spokeswoman said the April increase in maternity benefits was "welcome".

However, she added: "We would also like to see the Government go a step further and strengthen the link between women's previous earnings and maternity pay, so that more women will actually be able to afford to take the leave to which they are entitled."