Time is right to improve paid parental leave

“Improving paid parental leave provision is necessary to meet the needs of a modern workforce and modern workplaces, and the Families Commission discussion paper released today is a welcome contribution to this debate,” CTU secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

“Significant positive progress in parental leave entitlement in New Zealand has been made over a relatively short time period but there is a need to do more and this is widely recognised.”
 
“Economic, social and demographic realties mean that we need to maintain high workforce participation of all groups, including parents.  In the context of an ageing population, maintaining productivity and labour force participation requires greater effort to accommodate those with family responsibilities.   Extending parental leave is an important part of the changes we need to make.”

“Improving parental leave provision is important for all New Zealanders not just parents as it can contribute to maternal and child health, gender equity and income stability.”

“As well as supporting an increase in the length of paid parental leave the CTU also advocates for an increase in the level of payment as the vast majority of workers face a drop in income when they go on parental leave, and broadened eligibility for women in precarious work such as seasonal and casual work.”

“New Zealand is making steady progress in paid parental leave, and we welcome the willingness that government has signalled to continue improving our paid parental leave scheme,” Carol Beaumont said.