28 AUGUST 2007

Families Commission recommends 13 months paid leave for new parents

The Families Commission says that the government’s parental leave policy should be extended so that more people are eligible for more support.

“The current provisions are moving in the right direction. However we recommend that by 2015 parents are provided with a total of 13 months paid leave, including a month’s paid leave for fathers. Parental leave would continue to be fully funded by the government,” said Chief Commissioner Rajen Prasad.

The Commission has just released a report which draws on national and international research and experiences to make a series of recommendations for change.

These include widening the eligibility criteria, introducing longer periods of paid leave and increasing the amount that can be paid.

Dr Prasad says that extending parental leave would benefit families, children, employers and workplaces. It would show that the role of parenting is valued. It would also bring New Zealand’s provisions closer to those provided in other developed countries.

“Further extending the support given to parents through parental leave is an investment in the economy and in families,” he said.

Offering broader parental leave provisions will help employers to attract and retain skilled workers and provide recognition and support to families with children,” he said.

“Parents need time to bond with a new baby without worrying about money or their career prospects. They need real choice about when to go back to work, and who will take time out of the workforce to care for the baby.

“Families tell us that having a baby and trying to live on one income is extremely difficult at a time when their household costs are increasing. Financial pressure is the main reason why many mothers do not take up their full year of job-protection leave. Our recommendations will help make this transition easier. ” said Dr Prasad.

NEWS MEDIA ARE INVITED TO THE LAUNCH OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS AT HILL STREET EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE, 66 HILL STREET, THORNDON, WELLINGTON MIDDAY 28 AUGUST 2007. THOSE PRESENT WILL INCLUDE PARENTS ABLE TO DISCUSS HOW THEIR CHOICES WERE AFFECTED BY CURRENT PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY.

Summary of report attached.

ENDS

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