No doubt the Government's proposal to extend maternity leave to nine months is a vote winner, but at what cost to nurseries?
Parents will have to plan childcare much further ahead as more women may return to work and quality nursery places are pushed to a premium. On the face of it, this should be good news for the industry, but I think the hidden costs far outweigh the benefits.
Many mothers don't want to return to work after just six months, so decide to stay at home full time. By giving them an extra three months leave, more may then rejoin the rat race, bringing an influx of nine-month-old children into nursery care.
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