Wednesday, 7 November 2007

IQ research supports extending parental leave

New research claiming breast feeding can boost intelligence is adding to the list of reasons why paid parental leave should be extended, according to UnitedFuture family spokesperson Judy Turner.

“As a country, one of the best things we can do to help our young families is allow them to properly get to know and care for their babies, rather than force them straight back into the workforce,” says Mrs Turner.

“The Families Commission recently called for new parents to be provided with a total of 13 months paid leave, including a month's paid leave for fathers. UnitedFuture totally endorses this recommendation.

“Everybody says we need to do more to protect our children, to help create better parents and strengthen young families – well it’s time for the talking to stop and action to begin.

“UnitedFuture has always supported family friendly policies, but I also suspect the Greens and Maori party would like to see parental leave extended. This would give Labour the numbers to push legislation through.

“The question then must be asked, does Labour really support family-friendly policy, or is it just hollow rhetoric?” asks Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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