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Time may be on parents’ side if government plans come to fruition. While a Franklin organisation is pleased by the news, concerns remain that some parents will still struggle.
As previously reported by the Times, the government has made a pre-election promise to gradually extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029.
Extending paid parental leave is positive, Robyn Driver from Pukekohe-based social service agency Mai Lighthouse asserts.
“The first months of a child’s life are incredibly important for bonding, wellbeing and establishing strong family connections. If extending paid parental leave helps families spend more time together during those crucial early months, that’s worth supporting,” she says.
“But many return to work earlier than they’d like because the payment doesn’t come close to replacing their usual income. “Particularly where mortgages, rent and living costs are high, affordability is the biggest barrier. “Our hope is that [government plans are] part of a broader commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of where they’re born or their family’s circumstances, has the opportunity to get the best possible start.”
Mai Lighthouse (originally the Family Support Centre) has been providing assistance to families since 1979.
While parents may receive a little extra, the new Employment Leave Bill extends help to all employees.
It includes some most welcome changes to the Holidays Act, but Driver is concerned that it could adversely impact casual workers, commission-based employees and others with irregular working arrangements.
“Making leave accrual and sick leave balances simpler to calculate should create greater clarity for employees and employers,” she says.
“However, we’re also mindful of the potential impact on women, who continue to make up the majority of part-time workers while also carrying much of the responsibility for caring for children and whānau. It’s important that any new leave system doesn’t unintentionally disadvantage those already balancing work with significant caregiving responsibilities,” Driver adds.
To read more about government plans to extend leave, search ‘parental leave’ at franklintimes.co.nz.
