Half of all working mothers could be taking cuts in their maternity pay if proposed changes to parental leave are implemented. The TUC gave this warning in its submission to a Government consultation on proposals to allow mothers and fathers to share parental leave. The TUC is worried that mothers could lose out financially if the current 52-week statutory maternity leave is replaced by an 18-week period of designated leave for mothers, after which time at home can be shared between parents.