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Union dismisses maternity leave concerns

17 Jul 2008

Union dismisses maternity leave concerns The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has criticised claims that new rights on transferable maternity leave and extending flexible working would have a negative impact upon women's career prospects – news which may be welcomed by student mothers working as temps.

Earlier this week, Nicola Brewer, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, suggested the move would hinder women's future employment opportunities.

Responding to her comments, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, said this view is a "myth commonly peddled by employers who don't want to employ women of child-bearing age" or to allow male staff time off to be with their families.

"Proposals to increase flexible working rights to the parents of older children and allow up to six months of maternity leave to be transferred to fathers will help combat these entrenched views about family-friendly rights and will benefit all parents," he stated.

Additionally, paid parental leave will also ensure more fathers are able to afford to take time off to be with their children, he added.

Liberal Democrat youth and equality spokesperson Lynne Featherstone said employers ought to be encourages to "understand the value" of employing female members of staff and of improving maternity leave.

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