08.02.2019, 14:59

Incentivising Maternity Leave

Company News, EMEA, Talent, Service Provider News

Mitie has announced changes to its support package for new mothers, parents on adoption leave and employees returning to work from maternity leave.

 

Under the new policy which will be backdated to 1 October 2018, the professional services and facilities management outsourcer will offer salaried employees in the United Kingdom ten weeks on full pay, followed by 29 weeks on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).

 

Current legislation required employers to pay SMP at up to 90 per cent of an employee’s average weekly earnings (before tax and national insurance contributions) for the first 6 weeks, followed by  £145.18 or 90 per cent  (if the figure is lower) for the next 33 weeks.

 

Mitie has also introduced a ‘return to work bonus’ equal to a fortnight’s salary to encourage new mothers to return to their employment.

 

Explaining the decision, Group HR Director, Jo Davis, said:

“This is a great step forward for Mitie and the first of a number of new initiatives designed to engage, reward, recognise and retain our people. Our people told us they’d like to see a more generous maternity policy and we have listened. Not only have we increased the period of full pay, but we have also brought something innovative to our sector by offering a two-week ‘baby bonus’ for returning mums.

 

“As an industry, FM hasn’t traditionally offered attractive maternity packages with many providers simply offering statutory maternity pay. We think it is only right that we look after our new mothers on maternity leave, during what can be an already challenging time; whilst also creating a culture which is inclusive and supportive for women”.

 

37 per cent of 1,000 women surveyed by parenting publication MMB Magazine last year reported they had considered handing in their notice after feeling isolated and unsupported at work.