Survey shows widespread confusion over maternity leave tax
Maternity benefit is subject to tax for all claimants — the measure was announced in 2013 Budget and introduced last July.
However, in a RecruitIreland.com survey, more than four out of 10 (44%) mothers said they did not understand how the taxation worked.
More than one in five (22%) were not even aware the tax had changed.
The survey also revealed that benefits continued to be topped up by employers as the country was recovering from a major economic downturn.
More than half of working mothers who had a baby in the past four years had their maternity benefit topped up, either fully or partially.
Before 2010, six out of 10 mums who had a baby only received State benefit.
Most parents said they would like to see a tax credit for childcare introduced in the next budget. They survey found that creches are the most popular type of childcare.
Childcare was the biggest concern for mothers going back to work in the online opinion poll of more than 1,000 parents on maternity, paternity and parental leave.
Half of the mothers who said their partner would be caring for their children also ticked the option “worried about childcare” when going back to work.
When asked how they feel about working, 50% of mothers said they enjoyed working and still wanted to advance and develop their careers.
However, four in 10 would like to give up work, and one in 10 wanted to start their own business.
Four out of 10 organisations gave dads time off when their children are born.
RecruitIreland.com commercial manager, Sinead Johnson, said they were impressed with the dedication mums showed to work considering it’s very difficult for most to leave their little ones.
Although 2% of mums looked forward to returning to work, the majority were apprehensive about it. The term ‘devastated’ was used to describe the transition by one in four mums who took the survey.
“As a working mum, I know myself what a wrench it can be but it’s great to see ambition and entrepreneurial spirit alive in mums in Ireland,” said Ms Johnson.
