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date: 28 January 2010

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcomes proposals to let parents decide who looks after the baby

Commenting on Government proposals announced today (Thursday) to make the second six months of maternity leave transferrable between parents, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'These proposals will help millions of people balance their work and family life. As both parents work in most modern families, it's right that mums and dads should decide who looks after their baby, rather than the state deciding for them by only paying the mother for parental leave.

'Business lobby groups have opposed every new family-friendly right, from flexible working to extended maternity pay. But in reality these changes have hugely benefitted millions of families and have had no damaging effect on businesses.'

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Press release (200 words) issued 28 Jan 2010