New mothers in low-paid jobs stand to lose as much as $11,800 under the Turnbull Government's proposed changes to the paid parental leave (PPL) scheme, according to research.

Analysis by the University of Sydney's Women and Work Research Group found that if adopted, the changes could leave new parents in jobs such as teaching, nursing and retail worse off.

Key points: New modelling puts dollar figures on the impact of the PPL changes

New modelling puts dollar figures on the impact of the PPL changes Some low-paid mothers would be nearly $12,000 worse off

Some low-paid mothers would be nearly $12,000 worse off A new mother would only receive PPL payments for 18 weeks in total

The proposed changes were announced late last year, modifying initial plans put forward by former prime minister Tony Abbott to prevent mothers accessing both their employer and Government leave schemes.

Currently, the Government provides new mothers with 18 weeks of paid leave at $657 per week — no matter how many weeks of employer-paid PPL is available.

The Turnbull Government is looking at topping up parents' current workplace entitlements to ensure they receive 18 weeks' leave, effectively reducing the amount of government assistance.

The changes mean families would not be able to receive a combination of government and employer payments for more than a total of 18 weeks.

Study co-author Marion Baird said women could be forced to return to work too early if the Government adopted the "regressive" scheme, instead of the current system of 18 weeks.

Professor Baird told the ABC that cutting back payments would be "absolutely a retrograde step".

"Under these changes it looks to many that women will be forced back to work much earlier or perhaps decide not to return to work at all," she said. "We lose those women's skills and expertise from the labour market."

'We can't underestimate how devastating these cuts would be'

Professor Baird's modelling showed that a retail worker in Tasmania would lose approximately $4,330, leaving her 14 weeks short of the recommended 26 weeks of maternity leave.

The analysis further found an ambulance driver in Queensland would lose $11,800.

A spokesperson for Social Services Minister Christian Porter said the report's findings were "hypothetical", adding that negotiations with the Senate crossbenchers about the final policy were ongoing.

The changes are set to come into force in July.

The analysis was commissioned by women's advocacy group Fair Agenda, whose executive director Renee Carr has urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to abandon the proposal.

"Experts and families agree that paid time at home is vital to making sure working parents can give their baby the best start in life in those precious early months," Ms Carr said.

"We've heard from members who voted for former prime minister Tony Abbott because of his proposed expansion of paid parental leave, and we've heard of people who are reconsidering having more children because of these proposed cuts.

"We can't underestimate how devastating these cuts would be for families if they're approved by the Senate."

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