The case of Alvarez and the boomerang effect of maternity leave

Abstract

This case note explains the CJEU’s ruling in Alvarez at a supranational level and discusses the impact of the CJEU’s findings in relation to its interpretation of the Equal Treatment Directive and what has been termed the boomerang effect of maternity protection at national level, namely the risks to young women of childbearing age when seeking employment in Member States that have legislation which permits maternity leave provisions only for women.