Vodafone makes 16-week minimum maternity pledge

Vodafone has promised a minimum of 16-weeks off maternity leave for female staff across 30 countries.

The telecoms company is one of the few companies in the world to introduce a global mandatory minimum maternity policy, a policy which the firm said could create a $19billion boost to business every year.

Female staff will benefit from full pay during the 16 weeks of maternity leave and will also receive a full salary for working a 30-hour week in the first six months they return to work.