Pub and brewer Greene King has launched a new flexible working policy and an enhanced suite of family leave policies to support its more than 39,000 employees.
The business’ flexible working policy has been implemented ahead of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill that will come into force next year. Employees will have the right to request flexible working from their first day in a job and be able to request this twice in any 12-month period, with decisions on requests now made within two months.
In addition, employees who are looking to adopt will be eligible for wrap-around support and the same amount of leave as those who go on maternity leave, with salaried workers able to take 26 weeks of full pay plus 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay, and hourly team members entitled to 13 weeks at full pay, 13 at half pay, and 13 on statutory maternity pay.
Greene King has also enhanced its paternity policy from the statutory position, implemented paid time off for up to five antenatal or adoption appointments and up to five days for compassionate leave and emergency leave for dependents. It will additionally allow a day off to attend a funeral and offer support for employees called up for jury service.
The new policies have been designed to help all in-pub, support centre and breweries staff grow their families and balance their work-life commitments while developing their careers.
Andrew Bush, chief people and transformation officer at Greene King, said: “It is right for us to recognise how people’s lives change throughout their careers and at different life stages, and we are pleased to offer such a wide level of support. We cannot predict when things will happen in people’s lives, but, as a good employer, we can support them when it’s needed. To be the pride of British hospitality we want to give our team members the best opportunities to balance their work and home lives, which in turn helps them to better serve our customers.”