Iain Stewart MP visits first major employer in Milton Keynes to give equal rights to mums and dads
All new parents working for NHBC, the Milton Keynes based leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, will get the chance to spend time with their children under new plans to give mothers and fathers the same leave.
The new rules, which also apply to those adopting a child, mean that all parents will have the option to share the care between themselves and their partners.
Iain Stewart MP heard firsthand what this means from NHBC staff whilst visiting the head office ahead of its launch on the 4th August 2019 and said: “This is really exciting news from a large Milton Keynes employer and it’s great to see them supporting families. Parents should not have to choose between their career or bringing up a child. I’m really pleased that NHBC recognises the role that both parents play in raising a family and supports both parents in bonding with their new baby”.
Steve Wood, NHBC chief executive said: “I’m delighted that NHBC is equalising the leave benefit we offer for anyone welcoming a new addition to their family.
“We believe that all parents – mums, dads, and carers – should be given the chance to spend time bonding with their child in the early days, and that’s why we are equalising and improving our maternity, paternity and adoption leave for anyone welcoming a new addition to their family.”
The new rules mean both men and women can take 13 weeks leave on full pay, the remaining 26 weeks at statutory pay (either as statutory maternity pay or shared parental pay as appropriate), and up to a year’s leave in total.
The new policy will come into effect for babies due on or after 4 August 2019 and applies to any parent who has reached 26 weeks continuous service, 15 weeks before their baby’s due date.
Anne Durkin, NHBC Executive Sponsor for Diversity & Inclusion, said: “New parents want to make important decisions for themselves and we recognise this as an important factor in attracting and retaining talented people. Equalising our maternity, paternity and adoption leave supports our staff, so they can spend all the time they need with their family while still having a successful career at NHBC – regardless of gender or circumstance.
NHBC is based in Milton Keynes with staff working around the UK. This innovative initiative is one of the first of its kind for Milton Keynes-based employers and is one of several activities being undertaken to help us deliver our ambition of becoming a diversity confident and inclusive organisation.
