I've always wondered why they think paid parental leave will encourage mums back to work. If I'm working, and then have my child, I'll take leave and be paid for it if it's offered. But being paid to be away from work won't encourage me back - the fact that I need the money work provides takes me back, and so it just depends on the leave offered how soon I'll be back.

I have a friend who worked up until her first child was born. The company gave her paid maternity leave, which she took, but she never had any intention to return to work. She doesn't need to. The fact that they paid her when she left made no difference.