NCW welcomes amendments to the Social Security Act regarding the introduction of credits for parents who temporarily stop working to raise children, measures that the Council has strongly advocated in the recent consultation on pension reform.

This is a very important step reflecting the value we give to the family. The two years of NI contributions by Government for each child and the four-year credit for each child with a severe disability are also measures towards more adequate pension entitlement, in particular for women, who due to breaks in their career do not accumulate enough contributions for adequate pensions entitlement in old age.

It is hoped that in the future similar measures will be introduced for individuals who opt to stop work temporarily to look after their elderly relatives. Such measures can also benefit individuals who wish to further studies at post-degree level, as more professionals working in the field of research are necessary for our island to be able to face global challenges.