Re: Paid Maternity Leave
It's not that big a deal and my opinions on this seem to agitate you ClubMan, I intent no offense and apologies if any is caused.
I'm not agitated and no apology required. I'm simply rebutting your mistaken assertions that somebody claiming a mutually agreed contractual benefit of employment such as maternity pay, albeit while not intending to return to work, is variously a thief, nasty, mean, dishonourable, unethical, operating under false pretences etc. Don't forget that a woman on maternity leave (whether the employer is paying her in part or full) is still an employee of the company so all of the normal rules apply, including the ability of either party to give normal notice of termination (with the exception of the employer giving notice on grounds related to the pregnancy or at specific times during the pregnancy).
so anything that is legal is OK?
Yes - I suppose so. After all the law is effectively a codification of the generally accepted rules of society and reflects the ethics and values of that society.
If so than you must have no problem with tax avoidance etc because it's legal.
Yes - I have no problem with tax avoidance once it is done within the limits of the relevant tax laws and Revenue anti-avoidance rules. Obviously I would not condone tax evasion.