I REFER to the letter, "Maternity leave unfair to boss and colleagues" (my paper, Aug 21).

I agree with the writer.

The employer has to hire temporary staff to cover the duties of the employee on maternity leave. This period will be a challenging one for the employer and other employees.

This absence will also affect the appraisal of the employee who is on leave, as she has been away for a quarter of a year.

If the mother wants to focus on bringing up her child, she should stay at home and take care of the baby. If a couple find the cost of raising a child too high, it will have to decide if they are truly ready to have one.

Ms Lim Qiu Ting

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