Devon MP says maternity leave is "excessively onerous"
MATERNITY leave is "excessively onerous" on business and should be curbed according to a county MP.
Mel Stride for Central Devon said he supported employment rights but argued the entitlement for new mothers had become "out of balance".
The UK had among the most generous leave in the world he argued, and highlighted problems it caused for employers, particularly small businesses.
He pressed for greater flexibility in the labour market, arguing future competitors would include China and India.
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But his comments have sparked criticism with Mr Stride being branded "out of touch".
Mr Stride, who is a ministerial aide, raised the issue of increasing the flexibility of labour markets during a recent parliamentary debate.
Comments
by czarchasm
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 10:56AM
“Well said Mr Stride!
The lack of personal and parental responsibility these days is staggering. People expect rights and privileges without being prepared to accept their proper responsibilities.
Parenthood should always be planned, and part of that planning should be about whether the child can be afforded and properly looked after without the rest of society having to bear the burden.
But for saying something which is in fact quite reasonable, I will no doubt be jumped on and called 'out of touch' or a 'reactionary' or worse!”