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PATERNITY LEAVE BLAST FOR NEW DAD

14-06-2007

The former Mayor of Sandwell has launched an astonishing attack on a fellow councillor for taking paternity leave following the birth of his second child.

Cllr Bill Archer has said he finds it “unacceptable” that Simon Hackett who represents Friar Park should be having time off just because there’s a baby in the house.

Hackett’s partner had the child on Tuesday morning at 7.30 and a note has been circulated to his colleagues stating that he’s “not available until further notice”.

“I’m old fashioned I know, but do we have to cancel council business until he’s ready” said Archer.

“My wife had four children but we just got on with it.”

Archer wants to know if Hackett will still be receiving council allowances while he’s on nappy changing duty - but thinks all payments should be stopped.

“Personally I can’t accept that a councillor isn’t available for duty. I think it’s a bit unfair on the electors. It’s not the council’s fault he’s having another child.

“He’s vice chair of the Wednesbury town committee. If the wives of all the other councillors got pregnant, would that mean that it would just have to stop doing its job.

“”My wife broke her hip a few months ago, and I’ve been looking after her as well as doing my job as a councillor, but I wouldn’t dream of asking for time off.”