By Brook Sabin
Business New Zealand has been slammed for referencing a former controversial UK based MP, who thinks women should make better efforts to clean behind the fridge.
The Government Administration Select Committee is today hearing submissions on a Bill which would effectively double the amount of paid parental leave available to parents, from three months to six.
Paul Mackay from Business New Zealand gave evidence this morning, citing research supported by a UK-based politician, that extending paid parental leave leads to what is called "human capital depreciation".
When pressed by 3 News outside the select committee about what he meant, Mr Mackey explained there is research that suggests people lose skills when they take extended time off work.
“Take the example of a rugby player, who takes an extended break. They need time to get their skills back, get their training back, before they're back in the number one position,” he says.
The Bill’s sponsor, Labour MP Sue Moroney, says research suggesting workers lose skills by taking extended time off work, is held up by a UK Member of Parliament who caused an uproar in 2004 when he suggested "women just don't clean behind the fridge enough”.
She says Business New Zealand’s written submission appeared as if Alasdair Thompson had helped author it.
Thompson, the former boss of the Employers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, was the subject of a storm of controversy after making a number of comments regarding the female workforce.
His comments included that “monthly sick problems” are a reason women should not be paid as much as men.
The Government has indicated it will use its power of financial veto to block the passage of the Bill.
3 News