December 2, 2009
A curious report from boffins at the Economic and Social Research Council which basically concludes that if you want to get impregnated then you should work in the public sector.
The study, which examined patterns of employment and childbearing decisions for couples over a number of years, found that the decision to have children was intricately bound up with the working patterns of parents.
The relative security of employment in the public sector, together with a more 'family friendly' ethos, is thought to foster fertility. Report author - the exotically named Tiziana Nazio - said: "The public sector tends to offer a guaranteed job to return to, a career progression more linked to seniority and more flexible hours and time off to care for sick children."
Temp work also doesn't put couples off parenthood and actually has a positive effect on rates of childbirth. More time on their hands, Guru suggests.
What does all this mean? Guru is not sure. Perhaps public sector HR professionals could start talking this up in recruitment ads as a perk of the job? "Benefits include: Flexible working, final salary pension, sabbaticals, working environment conducive to getting preggers."
The study, which examined patterns of employment and childbearing decisions for couples over a number of years, found that the decision to have children was intricately bound up with the working patterns of parents.
The relative security of employment in the public sector, together with a more 'family friendly' ethos, is thought to foster fertility. Report author - the exotically named Tiziana Nazio - said: "The public sector tends to offer a guaranteed job to return to, a career progression more linked to seniority and more flexible hours and time off to care for sick children."
Temp work also doesn't put couples off parenthood and actually has a positive effect on rates of childbirth. More time on their hands, Guru suggests.
What does all this mean? Guru is not sure. Perhaps public sector HR professionals could start talking this up in recruitment ads as a perk of the job? "Benefits include: Flexible working, final salary pension, sabbaticals, working environment conducive to getting preggers."
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