Ten years of new Labour has put the work-life issue firmly on the policy agenda, including the important area of working parents' leave entitlements. Since 1997, paternity and parental leaves have been introduced and maternity leave extended from 40 to 52 weeks (see box). In October 2006 the period of paid maternity leave was extended from six to nine months, and the Government's stated ambition is to extend paid leave to 12 months.
The UK is doing well compared to a decade ago. But how are we doing compared to other countries? A new review enables comparisons to be made. These suggest the UK's report card might read: making progress, but still not world class.
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