7 November 2001 PR168/01
Paid Parental Leave Policy forgets Self Employed

Federated Farmers Vice President Tom Lambie is disappointed that the Government's paid parental leave policy announced today makes no provision for the self employed.

"Sharemilkers are a case in point, said Mr Lambie. "Generally, both partners make a significant contribution to the physical and financial operation of their business. The lessened ability for women to contribute while pregnant or caring for their children can place added financial and operational burdens on the farming business.

"At a time when the Government has expressed concern about stress in the workplace and agriculture is driving growth in the New Zealand economy, its is disappointing that the paid parental leave policy ignores a third of working mothers.

"This policy provides nothing at all for self employed agricultural contractors or casual labour. In fact this policy flies in the face of workplace equity polices, Mr Lambie concluded.

ENDS

For more information: Tom Lambie, Vice President, PH 04 473 7269 Sally Millar, Policy Manager, PH 07 838 2589 Gavin Forrest, Policy Manager, PH 04 473 7269

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