I would like to hear ABers views on this.

[micmak]

When Jeza left work to have our son there was no such thing as time off with pay. She had to leave and if she wanted to go back after the birth then told to re-apply to the firm. I know times change but does this woman deserve time off with pay? I will be interested in your opinions.

http://www.koco.com/h.../30921941/detail.html

[Ann]

Personally I think mothers have so many benefits and privileges, they sometimes have babies for all the wrong reasons but maybe I'm biased as we couldn't have any children. But our opinion is, if you can't afford children without asking for financial help, then don't have them - simple!

[factor-fiction]

I disagree mikmak and there is no chance of maternity rights/leave being reduced.
I must admit though I used to be a little irritated when members of staff came back from nearly 12 months maternity leave and then said- "oh, now can I have my 28 days annual holiday please for this year as I didn't take it because of my maternity leave"

[Ann]

Yes that is a bit much factor for them to want holiday pay AND maternity leave. When I worked in an office we used to get annoyed when we were forever covering colleagues who were away on maternity leave, or taking time off as their children were ill, doctors appointments, scans, ante-natal classes.

[linedancer16]

Wonder why she wants to go back to work yet anyway. When she's had to go to such lengths to have her babies I would have thought she'd want to stay at home to look after them. If she cant afford to give up work what about child care for two while she's working.

[tinkerbell23]

I think she should be entitled to the same as mothers who adopt or give birth xxx

[micmak]

If I was younger and healthier I would be out of here like a flash. I see young women with several kids in tow screaming the likes of...... Get here Brittany or I'll F cing Kill you. Is this the way forward. Is it any wonder we are in such a state.

[tinkerbell23]

My old work used to give a back to work bonus for 6months or a year aswell
Cant remember which... After return from mat leave x

[Ann]

But no reward for loyal workers taking on two roles covering for others who are off on leave :(

[tinkerbell23]

Probobly not ann!! X

[NOX]

I don't consider that I would be 'throwing' (I presume you meant) money away micmak, that's the difference between us. How much money I have or haven't got just doesn't come into it, I shouldn't have to justify having money I have worked very hard for, I believe that mothers and babies need and deserve a bonding period and that employers ought to pay maternity pay. I am happy to do that. Clearly that's not okay with you, yet in the next breath you're slagging off mothers who clearly DON'T have a bond with their children ( the Brittany post- not too many stereotypes there then ^^).
As for moaning about covering for pregnant colleagues who are having scans etc- words totally fail me regarding the mean spiritedness of that:(

[tinkerbell23]

I agree with NOX about a yes to mat pay and ive no problem covering for folk to have scans etc. its their health and their babies health it must b monitored- same token id be happy to cover scans for other things or medical
Appointments!! Or carers leave for sick partners/parents etc xx