Paid extension of maternity leave

Extend maternity leave by 3 months with pay to give parents the opportunity to prepare there baby for attending nursery/ care outside there family.

Why the contribution is important

I think a lot of people are in a similar boat to me.. had planned to go back to work in the next few months and are now faced with the question of how do we suddenly expect our babies to cope when they haven’t left out sides in weeks and week, if at all.
My baby was 5 months when all groups and meet ups were cancelled. AS She was only 5months then, I had hardly been apart from her, the odd hour but she was still at home with her dad / my husband. She is now 7 months. I was planning on going back to work when she turned 9 months. She is definitely not going to be ready to be apart from me when I can’t even leave the room without her crying. I have no way of getting her used to being apart from me.
An extension of statutory maternity leave with pay would give me more time once lockdown restrictions are lessened / lifted to prepare my baby for me returning to work. By extending statutory maternity pay it would make this possible. Credit cards and loans just shouldn’t be the only option.
Yes I feel “robbed” of all the memories and experiences I could have been making with my baby at groups, but really I care about my babies ability to cope and be emotionally ready to go from being in her home almost 24/7 and with her mum 24/7 to suddenly be expected to go to into childcare with no transition. Without government support this will be the case for so many babies.

by Sarahdeuchar38 on May 08, 2020 at 05:10PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.5
Based on: 15 votes

Comments

  • Posted by kedra May 08, 2020 at 17:25

    It's laudable that you're aiming to give your child the best start.

    But you have to remember that you're requesting that the rest of society collectively fund this leave for you. I don't think that's a fair proposal to make if you're already expecting to have 9 months to socialise your child.

     As you said we live in a society with strict employment law to protect employees and where you're free to use credit facilities at historically low interest rates to adjust your working hours now if you think that's best for your family.

    I don't think your proposal is necessary and I think the funding could be better spent elsewhere.

  • Posted by HighlandLass May 08, 2020 at 17:37

    I dont agree any special arrangement should be provided for Maternity leave as per previous comments employment law will protect. The issue of child care will be covered in general for all pre school and school children

  • Posted by Stacey1691 May 08, 2020 at 17:40

    I had a baby day one of lockdown: my baby is now six weeks old with no outside contact for any of my family friends to meet her, as well as having to do deal with a 2 year after having a caesarean section I understand why we’re doing lockdown but my mental health has taken its toll on me. I feel the first six weeks of my babies life I cried longing for some form of comfort from my own mum that I couldn’t have and although my baby won’t remember times like this the bonding my daughter had with grandparents etc has been taken away. An extra few months off doesn’t take that time back but hopefully things are a little more normal and we can enjoy a few “happy” months before I have to return to work.

  • Posted by zee May 08, 2020 at 18:11

    I am in a similar situation. New baby, losing out on precious time bonding with grandparents that we’ll never get back. I agree with the principle of extending maternity leave. However, I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect the country/government to pay for it when there’ll be others in a much less fortunate position when this is over. I’m likely going to ask for some unpaid leave next year.

  • Posted by lmg1612 May 08, 2020 at 18:20

    I have to say I'm against this also. Who will pick up the tab for this extended leave? I went back to work 3 months after having my daughter, as a single parent, paying for childcare 20 years ago. No one offered me money to stay home. Maybe negotiate directly with your employer? Public money better spent elsewhere, sorry

  • Posted by Robert1000 May 08, 2020 at 18:32

    Totally understand the need. However the reality, however unfair, is that it is the baby who looks like they will be landed with the cost of all of this down the line. We should do all we can to avoid that.

  • Posted by Fiona123 May 08, 2020 at 20:25

    I agree with extending mat leave with some pay, for those about to go back to work - to help with arranging childcare. It may be impossible to get childcare and i don’t think it’s fair to ask people to work from home while also looking after small babies, particularly full time.

    Huge numbers of the population are already being paid with public money to stay at home and not work - perhaps these mums returning to work can also be furloughed for a short time.

  • Posted by Lstewart May 08, 2020 at 22:16

    My son is 2 and went from having been in nursery full time to suddenly being at home with me while I try and work a full time job. All in the space of 24 hours his little world is upside down.

    Every child will find a return to childcare difficult, even those who are used to attending. I don't agree you should be awarded extra time, at taxpayer expense to accommodate this. That would be unfair on the thousands of other kids who will struggle to transition back to childcare who's parents will not be afforded this time.

    I had to use up 3 weeks of my annual leave when son started nursery to transition him. It should be no different for you
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