Personal lines insurer Ageas has implemented paid carers’ leave as part of an initiative designed to support employees who also act as a primary carer.
It introduced its Supporting Carers @ Ageas initiative ahead of Carers Week 2024 (10-16 June) in order to go beyond the requirements of the Carers Leave Act that was introduced in April and grants employees the statutory right to one week of unpaid leave per year for caring responsibilities.
Aimed at supporting them with caring responsibilities alongside their professional roles, employees will be entitled to one week of paid leave. They will also be able to access the Supporting Carers @ Ageas hub, which offers access to resources and services tailored for those in caregiving roles, as well as the Ageas Carers Support Network, which is a community where employees can find support, share experiences and learn from each other.
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Sian Myers, HR director at Ageas, said: “Ageas’s smart working policy already allows employees the flexibility to manage their hours to accommodate appointments and other personal commitments but we understand how difficult it can be to balance the demands of working and caring so we’ve carefully designed the Supporting Carers @ Ageas initiative to address the unique needs of our employee carers. From paid leave to a dedicated support network, we’re committed to providing meaningful support that makes a real difference in our employees’ lives and to the lives of the people they care for.”
Ageas employees also have access to the firm’s flexible benefits scheme, which includes a health cash plan, critical illness cover, dental insurance, health assessments, car salary sacrifice leasing scheme, a bikes-for-work scheme and discounted car breakdown cover. The organisation also offers access to private medical insurance and life insurance, which includes a death-in-service benefit of four-times salary.