“Our new research reveals clearly that there is one factor that above all leads to women’s inequality in the labour market - becoming mothers.” Report from the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, February 2007

“If the so-called ‘brain drain’ was the major HR headache of the 1970s, then the current ‘baby drain’ is triggering a full-scale migraine.” Personnel Today, April 2007

“During pregnancy, 2 out of 3 women felt more exhausted than expected”, “…over half the women felt more in need of reassurance…” and “…1 in 4 women felt confused by all the conflicting advice they read”. Survey of 1100 pregnant women by Tommy’s, the baby charity, August 2006

“Today’s evidence shows that flexible and enlightened working practices are good for business. Achieving a balance between the needs of home and work is a win-win for the family and the employer - the employer of choice.” Employer Zone, workingfamilies.org.uk, December 2007

“The indications are that turnover tends to be highest where younger lawyers have fewer flexible benefits and where maternity and childcare rights are stripped down to the minimum.” The Times, 8 May 2007, report on PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) annual law firm survey

“The survey reveals that an increasing number of employers are now focusing on promoting employee well-being as a means of reducing absence costs and boosting productivity.” Chartered Institute of Personal Development Annual Survey Report 2007

“The key business benefits of family-friendly employment practices identified in the study include reduced casual sickness absence; improved retention; improved productivity; improved recruitment; improved morale and commitment.” Family-friendly Employment: the business case, DfEE Research Report RR136, October 1999