Long-term savings and retirement business Phoenix Group has extended its paid reservists leave to 10 days.
The group, which employs 8,000 workers and has offices across the UK in Edinburgh, Wythall, Telford and Basingstoke, had previously offered five days of leave.
The extension, which was announced at the start of National Inclusion Week, was introduced to improve workplace flexibility, allow reservists to contribute further in the armed forces, and as part of the business' commitment to being a forces-friendly employer.
Phoenix Group also offers spouses and partners of Armed Forces personnel serving overseas five days of additional paid leave to ensure they can spend time with their loved one, and offers up to 10 days of paid carers' leave.
According to the business, these workplace policies were designed to improve diversity and inclusion, driven by its employee Armed Forces Network, which provides formal and informal support for members of staff associated with the armed forces and their families.
Jonathan Pears, group chief risk officer and executive sponsor of the Armed Forces Network at Phoenix Group, said: “Members of the reserve armed forces don’t just play a valuable role in keeping our country safe, they also bring valuable skills back into the workplace. That is why it is so important that they are supported to undertake training and exercises, and why I am proud that Phoenix Group has extended its paid reservists leave to 10 days.
“Paid reservists leave gives colleagues the flexibility to know that they can fully commit to their role as a reservist and their role at Phoenix Group, fully contributing in both positions. This is just one way in which we can show our support for Armed Forces personnel and their families in Phoenix Group.”
In 2019, Phoenix Group was recognised with a silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and is a regular supporter of the Armed Forces Charity.
