Reference no: EM133699992

Question

In the United Kingdom, new mothers are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave. Ninety percent of wages are replaced during the first 6 weeks, with wages replaced at a flat rate for the remaining weeks. New fathers are entitled to 2 weeks' leave, with up to 26 additional weeks' leave if the mother returns to work before her leave period ends. All families, regardless of household income, also receive a child-benefit allowance. This is a monthly sum paid to a family for each child, to help offset the costs of raising children. Adults may also take unpaid leave to care for a child or adult family member's needs. Public and private day care are available, but without an allowance. Some families may be able to get tax credits to help with child-care costs. In the United States, adults are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to attend to a new child or to provide care to a sick child, spouse, or parent. Adults may also take this leave to attend to their own serious health condition. There is no national program of wage replacement for parents on leave. An individual employer may or may not choose to provide.