Maternity Leave: too costly ?

[cyberianpan]

I agree that pregnancy is a medical condition and that some leave is needed, 5-10 days seems reasonable to me and perhaps 2 days for the father (moral support , driver etc), anything beyond that should be unpaid.

I don't think we can afford really long paid leave anymore the cost is very high

1) 26 weeks social welfare (230-280 p/w)
2) Most employers top this up to full salary
3) Massive disruption to business

Also it is sexist as men aren't entitled to paternity leave.

Even the French are changing here:

French Justice Minister Rachida Dati’s new baby girl, ... amazement and scorn poured on her mother for her decision to return to work five days after her birth.
Under French law, Ms Dati would have been entitled to 16 weeks maternity leave but she decided to skip it to return to the office

cYp

[polito123]

I agree, but 5-10 days is a bit harsh!!! The six months on full pay is crazy though!! M ind you, I'm a man and I'm pretty happy that I never have to go through that, so maybe we should just let them have their way!

[Bobert]

I'd extend your suggestion to a month. Give appropriate time to find a nanny. Though there is an issue with women who choose to breast feed.

Who gave me rep saying this was an insensitive comment?

[Pauli]

I agree that pregnancy is a medical condition and that some leave is needed, 5-10 days seems reasonable to me and perhaps 2 days for the father (moral support , driver etc), anything beyond that should be unpaid.

I don't think we can afford really long paid leave anymore the cost is very high

1) 26 weeks social welfare (230-280 p/w)
2) Most employers top this up to full salary
3) Massive disruption to business

Also it is sexist as men aren't entitled to paternity leave.

Even the French are changing here:

cYp

Indeed. If "a week is a long time in politics", after 16 weeks she might find herself reshuffled to oblivion.

[Big Bobo]

No doubt the same hypocrites here complain endlessly about the breakdown of family and increasing youth crime. The bigger picture of society is always lost on the selfish capitalist who cares only for profit.

[cyberianpan]

I'd extend your suggestion to a month. Give appropriate time to find a nanny. Though there is an issue with women who choose to breast feed.

Why a month ? All should be in order a few days after. My GP usually only takes 10 days herself.

Breast feeding need only be done once or twice a day, also the mother can pump out surplus and bottle it for later use.

Also the government should give grants to men for operations in order to overcome their mammary challenge.

cYp

[Bobert]

No doubt the same hypocrites here complain endlessly about the breakdown of family and increasing youth crime. The bigger picture of society is always lost on the selfish capitalist who cares only for profit.

I think I might agree with Bobo on this one...

Bobo, in his Marxist doctrine, believes women to be the carriers of society, that they ought to stay at home to tend to the young? Am I right?

I on the other hand, would like for women to stay at home to tend to the young but simultaneously allowing them the freedom to choose a career if they wish.

ow does that sound Bobob?

[Bobert]

Why a month ? All should be in order a few days after. My GP usually only takes 10 days herself.

Breast feeding need only be done once or twice a day, also the mother can pump out surplus and bottle it for later use.

Also the government should give grants to men for operations in order to overcome their mammary challenge.

cYp

Hang on, back to your GP a second, how many times a year does she have kids?

Yes, but I'm unfamiliar with the workings of the breast, is it a timing thing or can they be used any time?

Yes, completely. All men ought to be given surgery to allow them to lactate. (Which we can, surprisingly...)

[meriwether2]

No doubt the same hypocrites here complain endlessly about the breakdown of family and increasing youth crime. The bigger picture of society is always lost on the selfish capitalist who cares only for profit.

Comrade Eejit makes a valid point here (his first ever).

[White Horse]

First of all, most women on maternity leave only receive the statutory minimum. Less and less employers are paying full salary as the leave gets longer and longer.

In my opinion, six months is about correct. I know that my wife didn't feel comfortable leaving our children with someone else until around six months.

As for paternity leave, I am open to the possibility of three of the six months being transferrable to the father if the mother prefers to return to work early.