Comment: A 90-day maternity leave is a step in the right direction

WHEN it was announced during the Budget 2020 speech that private sector maternity leave will be increased from 60 to 90 days, many parents and parents-to-be breathed a sigh of relief.

While the 90-day benefit – which aligns with the public sector maternity leave allocation – does not match up to International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards of 98 days as initially proposed by the Human Resources Ministry, it is nevertheless a step in the right direction.