Equality watchdog criticises maternity provisions
Jul 14 2008
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Dr Nicola Brewer, head of the equality watchdog, has warned that generous maternity entitlements are costing small businesses too much and are putting owners off employing women.
Because women are now entitled to a year off work for each child, they may be disappointed in the workplace as some employers allegedly throw away job applications from those of childbearing age, she said in an interview.
Her department, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, is concerned that the expansion of the rights of parents to request flexible working for children up to the age of 16 may exacerbate the phenomenon.
Speaking to the Times, Brewer said: 'We have come a long way but after winning all these gains it is worth asking: are we still on the right track?'
Business leaders have criticised maternity and childcare provisions for being too costly for smaller firms who can suffer from having staff members away from work for a long period and who find it difficult to make long-term plans.
Maternity leave rights granted exclusively to women have also been criticised for reinforcing traditional family stereotypes.
Katherine Rake from the Fawcett society, writing to the Times, accused the legislation of sidelining fathers.
Because women are now entitled to a year off work for each child, they may be disappointed in the workplace as some employers allegedly throw away job applications from those of childbearing age, she said in an interview.
Her department, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, is concerned that the expansion of the rights of parents to request flexible working for children up to the age of 16 may exacerbate the phenomenon.
Speaking to the Times, Brewer said: 'We have come a long way but after winning all these gains it is worth asking: are we still on the right track?'
Business leaders have criticised maternity and childcare provisions for being too costly for smaller firms who can suffer from having staff members away from work for a long period and who find it difficult to make long-term plans.
Maternity leave rights granted exclusively to women have also been criticised for reinforcing traditional family stereotypes.
Katherine Rake from the Fawcett society, writing to the Times, accused the legislation of sidelining fathers.
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