Maternity Benefits

Dear Mr Tan,

I read your blog. You said the "the cost of maternity benefits" should be borne by society. What do you mean?

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REPLY

Some employers are reluctant to employ pregnant mothers as they have to give two months of maternity leave, for the first two children. They find ways of avoiding this cost. They will avoid employing an expecting mother.

It is better for the society to bear the cost of providing the maternity benefit. The mother should be able to claim the lost wages from the government, either through a reduction of tax, or a specific allowance.

This can apply to the first three children for each female working person.