Employee benefits provider Unum UK has enhanced its carer’s leave policy in order to further support its employees with caring responsibilities.
All of its more than 850 employees now have access to its enhanced offering of up to five days of paid leave per year, regardless of how long they have been in their roles. The five days can be taken flexibly, individually or as half days, helping them to manage both their work and caring responsibilities and have a healthier work-life balance.
The organisation enhanced its policy as it believes that supporting employees with caring responsibilities is the right thing to do. It sits alongside its employee assistance programme with a 24/7 helpline, which offers a range of support for childcare and eldercare, among other types of assistance.
Jane Hulme, HR director at Unum UK, said: “It’s vital that employers do as much as they can to either provide the support carers need both professionally and personally, or at least signpost towards it, helping more people to remain at work. As the Carer’s Leave Act comes into force later this year, we’re proud to introduce this proactive approach, supporting the caregivers in our workforce with a combination of paid leave and flexible-working options.
“Overall, this should allow employees more time to focus on those they care for. In addition, it will hopefully remove some of the worries and pressures we know unpaid carers face. We believe our enhanced policy will also play an important role in enabling our staff to bring their whole selves to work, while contributing to a workplace culture that prioritises both health and happiness.”
Last year, Unum UK launched an exercise and wellbeing benefit, allowed employees to request flexible working from day one of employment, provided staff with free period products and enhanced its pregnancy loss support.