§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they have taken to encourage employers to give mothers time off work to breastfeed their babies; and whether, in order further to encourage breastfeeding, they will extend maternity allowance to a year after the birth of a baby, on production of a note from the doctor or health visitor that the mother is continuing to breastfeed a baby. [HL2394]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamMaternity Allowance is payable to those pregnant women and new mothers who have not qualified for Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer. Both maternity benefits are paid for a maximum of 18 weeks and help women take time off work around the time their baby is due to prepare for and recover from the birth. Employers must ensure that pregnant employees, or new and breastfeeding mothers, are not at risk in the workplace by adjusting working conditions, finding suitable alternative work or, if that is not possible, suspending them from work on full pay.
The Fairness at Work White Paper has set out the Government's proposals to help new mothers and fathers. In future both parents will have the right to three months' parental leave; maternity leave for all women will be increased from 14 to 18 weeks and women will have the right to take time off work for an additional period of 29 weeks after one year's employment instead of two.
The Government attach a great deal of importance to employers developing a strong family-friendly culture in their workplaces. Family-friendly employment policies are good for parents—mothers and fathers—good for children, good for business and good for the economy. We are working with employers, voluntary organisations and trade unions to promote family-friendly policies and encourage best practice while at the same time recognising the importance of striking the right balance between providing support for employees without placing undue burdens on business.