Plans to Give Working Fathers New Rights

[MountainLaurel]

Sigh. It must be so nice to be living in a civilized nation.

Hundreds of thousands of new fathers were given a boost today when the government confirmed plans to give them up to three months' paid paternity leave.

Maternity pay was also increased to nine months, under moves which the government said would increase equality and flexibility in Britain's workplaces.

The proposals were outlined in the work and families bill, published today by the trade and industry secretary, Alan Johnson.

He said the bill was designed to create a modern framework of employment rights and maintained that it would have a minimal impact on business despite concerns, especially from smaller firms, that they will suffer because of the new rights.

http://money.guardian.co.uk/worklifebalance/story/0,13868,1595603,00.html?gusrc=rss

[Ravenseye]

1. terrible for small business

I love that it's there, but not sure abotu the framework. As long as the government pays then i'm fine with it. The problem is that if you have an actual small business...

Look I own a small business. We have three employees. If one of ours left for 9 months and we had to pay her the whole time, we'd go under. Period. It's hard for us right now. Margins are tight. WE couldn't have 2 do the work of 3, and we couldn't afford to hire a fourth for 9 months. Maybe a month or two we could manage, but 9? No way.

There has to be something to protect small businesses. I'm not saying i'm not for extended paid leave. I think there should be even a year paid leave. However there needs to be exceptions for smaller business. Big business can afford it, but if this law were in place here I'd be less inclined to hire a younger woman with no kids. I hate to say it but it's true. I'd see that woman and think she could destroy my company within a year.

Harsh, but true.

[abelenkpe]

2. the government would pay

So ya got no worries dahling. YOu'd still hire the ladies under those circumstances wouldn't you?

Personally I think it sounds fantastic! I felt guilty going back to work after six months. I was unable to breastfeed after I returned to work. Meetings and such just did not mesh with a pumping schedule. I always worry that I somehow cheated my little guy by not being able to afford to be a stay at home mom and champion milk source.

I know a fellow who runs a small business who wouldn't hire attractive young women because he thought they would be a distraction to the male workers. It didn't matter how talented they were, a young woman could be the greatest animator in the universe and get no where with people like him in charge. Luckily, not everyone shares his point of view.