Nicole Goodwin says breastfeeding support should be a core part of workplace wellbeing strategies to improve retention and support returning mothers.
The campaign will bring together events and editorial content focused on challenging perceptions around the “motherhood penalty”.
Speaking to Sky News, Hunt said current rules force some mothers to choose between undergoing cancer treatment and spending time with their newborn.
More than one in seven women (14%) who have children or are expecting a child have lost their job, or felt forced to leave their role.
From 6th April 2026, maternity and adoption leave will go up to 26 weeks on full pay, and paternity leave will increase to six weeks on full pay.
The proposals aim to modernise employment rights and ensure greater workplace security, particularly for parents and those experiencing loss.
40% of mothers turned down promotions because of childcare, and fewer than one in five returned to full-time work after maternity leave.
Hourly paid staff will now receive 26 weeks of paid maternity or adoption leave, up from 12 weeks.
The review will examine all aspects of parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave, with the aim of making the system fairer, easier to access, and more effective.
Only 17% of mums felt confident about going back after maternity leave.
The council is the first employer to achieve the Public Health certificate after bringing in several initiatives.
Resume.io research revealed that statutory maternity pay (SMP) for 2025 rose slightly to £187.18 per week after the first six weeks.