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Babes in the Woods murders, parental leave, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, menopause lessons in schools

Sue Eismann, whose daughter Nicola Fellows was murdered in 1986, companies failing to publicise parental leave, Louis de Berni猫res' novel on stage, and menopause lessons in school

In 1986 two nine year old girls were murdered in woods near Brighton. The crime became known as the Babes in the Woods murders. It took 32 years for the man who abducted, sexually assaulted and killed them to be found guilty. His name was Russell Bishop and he was known to the families of both girls. A new book about the murders has been published today, based on interviews and court transcripts. We talk to Sue Eismann, the mother of Nicola, one of the little girls.

Publicising parental leave policies at work. Whilst employers increasingly reveal details about dress down Fridays and 鈥榗ontemplation rooms鈥 to entice new employees, only 23 of FTSE 100 companies make their parental leave policies available to the public. How does this impact on potential working mothers and parents? According to research by Mumsnet, 82 per cent said they wouldn鈥檛 ask a potential employer about parental policies for fear of discrimination. To discuss the importance of parental leave policy transparency, Jenni Murray is joined by Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP, and by writer and journalist Deborah Hargreaves.

Menopause lessons at school. Pupils in the UK are to be taught about the menopause from next year after campaigning by counsellor Diane Danzebrink led the government to add it to secondary school curriculum. So what should be taught and how will students benefit? Jenni speaks to Diane and to Lisa Hallgarten, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Brook.

Plus Captain Corelli鈥檚 Mandolin. First it was a novel, then it was a film, and now Louis de Berni猫res' much-loved war-time romance has been brought to the stage. Director Melly Still and adaptor Rona Munro tell us why they think this story of love across enemy lines is still so powerful today.

Presenter: Jenni Murray
Producer: Emma Wallace

57 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 11 Jul 2019 10:00

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