Posted on September 30, 2008 in latest news
Many mothers in Australia are returning to work before their babies even complete three months, the ratio being 1 out of every 6. These facts reveal the scenario after post delivery, although a government report has recommended at least 14 weeks paid maternity leave.
A national survey conducted reveals that 8% of the mothers are back at work before their babies are 1 month old according to reports of Daily Telegraph Sydney. Furthermore, another 8% mothers return to work within a span of two to three months of the birth of their youngest child. These facts are based upon a Household Income and Labor Dynamics survey comprising of 13,000 Australians.
At present, 40% of mothers now return to work before their child turns 1 year old as compared to 32% in 1996. Many women are forced to return as they have no maternity leave and are facing financial hardships. In some situations more fathers are taking time off from work and helping out in bringing up the child. Around 43% of women are entitled to paid maternity leave as well as 34% of dads are entitled to paid maternity leave.
Now, Australians can hope for some concrete changes in maternity benefits. The Productivity Commission is coming up with a new maternity benefit scheme. It is hoped that at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave shall be granted to mothers, so that they can recover from the delivery and are able to breastfeed the child.
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