'Mums' taxation makes returning to work punishing...

According to the SMH and University of Sydney Professor Patricia Apps, tax rates on mothers who go back to work on low and moderate incomes are punishing, when you consider how much tax they have to pay and how much of the family tax benefit they lose.

As the paper noted: "On average, a married mother who decides to go out to work will lose around a third of her income in taxes and reduced [family tax benefits]." more

Pregnancy discrimination a pre-natal headache for employers

Employers can expect an increase in the number of complaints about discrimination against pregnant employees as women become more aware of their rights.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has recently launched a national campaign to inform women of their rights at work when pregnant and when returning to work after having a child. Read more

Employers beware - pregnancy discrimination costs

Employers beware - pregnancy discrimination can no longer go unanswered and be ignored. The Sydney Morning Herald today reported the first discrimination case brought under the new national workplace laws. The case involves a pregnant employee who was told by her employer that her pregnancy was an "inconvenience" for which their would be "consequences" read full article

Parents concerned about discrimination in the workplace relating to caring responsibilities, pregnancy, employment contracts etc can contact the Fair Work Australia on 1300 799 675 or the Human Rights and Equal Employment Commission on (02) 9284 9600.

Employers can find out more about their obligations can see the Fair Work Australia site www.fwa.gov.au and www.mumsatwork.com.au for training and other initiatives to ensure your workplace is family friendly.