Insurance firm Axa has extended the support benefits available to UK employee who are parents, carers, experience the loss of a baby or are victims of domestic abuse from this month.
Through its We Care programme, UK employees will be entitled to eight weeks of paid co-parent leave, an increase of four weeks. Carers will be able to use dependent leave if they are a primary carer or care for an immediate family member for unexpected emergencies such as a child becoming ill and planned hospital appointments.
The initiative will additionally provide five days of paid leave if an employee experiences a miscarriage up to the 24th week of pregnancy and two days of paid leave for spouses and partners. Employees who experience a stillbirth after their 24th week of pregnancy will be entitled to 16 weeks’ leave on full pay, and spouses and partners will be eligible for two weeks of paid leave.
The programme also builds on the firm’s UK domestic abuse policy, which offers support, resources and access to five days of paid leave, with the provision of a dedicated and trained team to support employees.
Axa has already launched the We Care programme in 51 markets worldwide as part of its effort to continue improving its employees’ wellbeing and build a healthier, more inclusive and supportive global workplace culture.
It will further reinforce Axa UK’s commitment to developing a workplace where people love to work and are able to thrive in their roles, and providing health and wellbeing support at different life stages and during moments that matter.
Suzanne Scott, chief people and corporate responsibility officer at Axa UK, said: “I’m delighted we’re extending the support available to our people with the launch of the We Care programme. [This is] a global initiative that supports our ambition of Axa UK and Ireland being a place where people love to work. The access to increased paid carer’s leave and co-parent leave as well as additional support for domestic abuse are invaluable for the wellbeing of our people in taking care of themselves and their loved ones.”