Apprentice star argues women should only take 3 weeks off to have a baby
Katie Hopkins has caused controversy by saying women who take more than 3 weeks off to have a baby are bad for business
Katie Hopkins has caused controversy by saying women who take more than three weeks off to have a baby are bad for business
Former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins caused controversy on a recent episode of The One Show when she argued that women should return to work after just three weeks of maternity leave. The 36-year-old and mother of three children, (aged 6, 5 and 2) took just three months off with her first baby and argues that taking a long maternity leave is bad for businesses and makes employers think twice about employing women at all. She also claims it is one of the reasons why so few women make it to senior roles in UK companies.
Mums in outrage
Her views caused controversy and outrage among mums who feel a longer maternity leave is necessary for the nurture and development of their children.
According to the charity Working Families, most women now take nine months off.
Ian Sharland, director of Baby Sensory says: "Research shows that early loving experiences have an effect on later learning, behaviour, happiness and health."
More like this
"Whilst I am sure that some mums have no choice but to return to work shortly after the birth, mums who choose to stay at home should not be made to feel guilty about this choice."
Have your say. Visit our facebook page to add a comment
Authors
How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family
NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.