Belice

The Social Security Act states Maternity allowance shall be payable in the case of pregnancy and confinement to an insured women who satisfies the prescribed conditions, for a period starting from a date not earlier than seven weeks before the expected date of confinement and continuing until the expiration of either 14 weeks or 7 weeks from the date on which the confinement occurs. The weekly rate of maternity allowance shall be equivalent to 80% of the average insurable weekly earnings. Additionally, maternity grant amounting to $300 shall be paid to an insured woman if she satisfies the number of contributions required. An insured man shall be entitled to maternity grant if his wife is not entitled to such grant, and if the conditions are satisfied by him.

Amends section 177 of Labour Act to increase the duration of maternity leave to a total of 14 weeks which shall be on full pay. Maternity leave shall be taken (a) up to a maximum of seven weeks before the expected date on confinement on full pay; (b) the balance after the expected date of confinement on full pay; (c) two weeks before ans seven weeks after the expected date of confinement shall be mandatory. Additionally, the Act states that in the case of a female worker who is entitled to maternity benefits under this section as well as under the Social Security Act, such worker shall receive maternity benefits under the latter, and in addition be entitled to be paid by the employer the difference, if any, between the maternity benefits under this section as those accruing under the Social Security Act.