Under new legislation, women who are due to give birth from April 1st can stay in touch with the office more easily, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

A new policy of "keeping in touch" days will help make a new mother's return to the office run more smoothly, commented CBI director of human resources policy Susan Anderson.

She said: "This [measure] will allow both parties flexibility and a way of managing a return to work that suits them.

"It also means women could keep abreast of major changes at work, such as training or promotion opportunities."

An additional change in maternity legislation has increased the period of paid leave from six to nine months.

Ms Anderson indicated that this change could provide a challenge to small businesses, saying that "the government must provide real support" for firms to manage employee absence.

The CBI is the main lobbying organisation for British businesses, both nationally and internationally.