A 90,000 'baby gap' exists between the number of children women want and the number they have, claims a new report by the Institute of Public Policy Research. Women also face 'a fertility penalty' when they return to work - a woman who becomes a mother at 24 loses out on Pounds 564,000 in earnings in her lifetime. The IPPR calls for free part-time childcare and means-tested full-time provision; introducing pay for the current unpaid 13 weeks' parental leave, with one month specifically for fathers; and increases in paid paternity leave to 90 per cent of average earnings and an extension of paid leave from two to four weeks. The report is available at www.ippr.org.uk
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
