A background to the debate

The Federal Government, union organisations and some larger employers believe that there is a growing public acceptance for paid maternity and paternity leave to be introduced into the general workforce.

Until now much of the debate has been whether or not the leave entitlement should be taxpayer or employer funded.

The retail industry has the largest concentration of females in its workforce. The claim has been made that with only eight percent of women in retail and hospitality receiving any form of paid maternity leave – more than nine in ten women in these industries are currently missing out.

Any changes to legislation would affect the retail sector more than any other industry. Unless your views are heard in this debate, maternity leave will be imposed upon this vital sector of the Australian economy.

Productivity Commission Inquiry

The ARA’s submission to the Productivity Commission is now available for members on the ARA’s website (see www.retail.org.au). The ARA will be making a verbal submission on behalf of members at a public meeting on June 11.

The Productivity Commission will essentially be considering three major aspects:

1. Duration and eligibility: Who should be eligible? What should be the qualifying period? Rate of payment to be used? Length of the payment?
2. Financing of any leave: Should it be government funded, employer funded or a combination?
3. Return to work: Will there be compulsory right to return to the same job? Should there be exemptions for particular jobs or type of employers? What should be the qualifying period for a return to work?

The answer to each of these three questions will have a major impact on the business sector and in particular the small retailer.

Article courtesy of Australian Retailers Association