How different would your life be if you were not granted any time off from work after the birth of your child? What about if you were allowed to take 52 weeks off, regardless of how long you've worked for that employer? If you lived in England, that would at least be an option for you.
From my experience, many women (and men) would love to take more time to care for a new baby and still have a secure job when the time came to return. The bond that you create with your new little one is precious and immediate-- make the best of it!
Here is an article that I've found which outlines the legal basics of leave in the UK: http://money.guardian.co.uk/print/0,,330293621-121284,00.html
Is this something that could/would happen in America? Do enough people see the need for it, as well as time alloted to caring for elderly parents? Can we make this a question of debate in any one of the dozen or so future political debates?
Let me know what you think.
2 comments:
I know! Canada is like that too.... I think they can take an additional year off and get their jobs back too??? I remember reading something to that effect. ??? Nice, huh? Yet many women in the states consider themselves lucky if they get any pay over their 6-8wks maternity. Sad.
What I really love about their (UK) plan is that the primary caregiver of an adoption is entitled to the same rights. I know a coworker who cannot even use her personal/sick bank time for after her adopted children come over from the Ukraine (her husband had to stay for two additional weeks after she had to return home for work... they have to stay with the children over there for so long and she used up her vaca over 2 trips to the Ukraine)... and one needs cleft lip surgery... she can use the time on the day of the surgery only. Who's going to watch and care for the poor baby??? rrr ... Luckily her hubby works for the UI and gets a paternity leave.
I think in France, the gov't hires women to come to the new mother's home to cook and clean why she is recuperating from giving birth! How about that?!
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