Low-income and minority workers are disproportionately affected by the lack of paid family and medical leave, a critical benefit that can make all the difference in times of crisis. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of paid leave, many of those who need it most are often left behind. Data shows that workers in service industries, such as retail and food service, are more likely to be low-wage and lack access to paid leave, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks when they need time off to care for a loved one or recover from illness. As policymakers weigh the merits of paid leave policies, the question remains: how can we ensure that those who need it most are not left behind?
The workers who most need paid leave are often the least likely to have it.
