Quickstep leaps ahead on parental leave for manufacturing staff

Defence and aerospace composites manufacturer Quickstep has announced an improved parental leave package for all employees including parental leave of up to 16 weeks for all primary carers, an increase from today’s four weeks.

Under the industry-leading arrangements employees will be able to access leave at half-pay, extending the paid period of leave to one year when used in conjunction with government and other leave entitlements.

Quickstep’s head of people and culture Sarah Hart said: “This is a monumental shift in the advanced manufacturing sector, one that we are excited to lead.

“Increasing our parental leave entitlements will allow our employees to spend crucial months bonding with their baby and recovering from the birth.

“Being able to witness first-hand key milestones will be invaluable for our employees.”

The improvements to Quickstep’s Parental Leave Policy, effective from 1 February 2022 include:

• Improved paid parental leave (16 weeks), accessible at full or half pay
• Full access to primary carer’s leave in the event of stillbirth or infant loss
• Improved paid leave for parents who are not primary carer’s (2 weeks)
• Access to 5 days of paid leave in the event an employee or their partner suffers from miscarriage
• And leave entitlements partnered with a comprehensive information package for expectant parents.

Picture: Quickstep

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