Join the March of the Mummies!

Labour Councillor Leanne Munroe

This Saturday (October 29) at 12 midday people across the UK will march in support of better rights for mothers.

The Manchester march is part of a UK wide protest organised by Pregnant Then Screwed, happening in six cities - the others are London, Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle.

The Manchester March starts at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square.

The march is being supported by the Women’s Equality Party, the Fawcett Society and the charity, Working Families.

Councillor Leanne Munroe, who leads for Oldham Council on Early Years, will also attend.

The marchers believe there are three key issues that have a significant impact upon the 'Motherhood Penalty', and they want the Government to acknowledge these issues and set out a plan for action.

The highlighted issues are good quality affordable childcare for all children; flexible working as the default, and ring fenced, properly paid parental leave.

Councillor Munroe said: "I agree that mothers get a raw deal.

"We have the second most expensive childcare system in the world due to years of underfunding from our Government, and the third worst ranking maternity pay, and the least generous paternity leave in Europe.

"On top of that, mothers face a pay penalty of 45% lower earnings in the six years after giving birth.

"Three in four job adverts fail to mention flexible working, yet 82% of Brits want to work flexibly.

"I will be on the march, though I’m not sure I will dress up as a bandage wrapped mummy as asked by the organisers!"

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