Barclays
bank has overhauled its work-life balance policy in a bid to recruit and retain
the ‘best people’ in the finance sector.
The
bank’s head of HR policy Karen Caddick announced that the new scheme would go
above and beyond statutory requirements being introduced by the Government in
April.
As
part of the move Barclays is doubling maternity leave from six to 12 weeks on
full pay and increasing the statutory maternity pay period from 12 to 14 weeks.
New
fathers will be able to take two weeks paternity leave, the first on full pay
and the second at £100.
A
maternity support scheme will provide pregnant staff with advice and coaching
before, during and after their maternity or adoption leave.
New
mothers will also be encouraged to work shorter hours during their first week
back, to help them set-up childcare arrangements.
The
measures have been developed in consultation with banking union UNIFI and
coincide with a new childcare payment scheme, which enables staff to gain an
exemption from National Insurance contributions by giving up part of their
salary.
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