Workplace benefits and services provider Personal Group has launched a paid carer’s leave policy to reflect its ongoing commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of its 266 employees.
Under the organisation’s new policy, which it has affectionately named Marie Carey’s carers policy after a long-serving employee advocated for the requirement due to her own challenging circumstances, caregivers will be entitled to up to five days of paid leave within a rolling 12-month period from day one of employment.
Last month, new statutory regulations mandated unpaid leave for caregivers. Personal Group wanted to go beyond this to offer paid leave to support employees as part of its recognition of the financial strains often experienced by employees in such situations.
By launching the initiative, Personal Group is also aiming to position itself as an employer of choice, underscore its commitment to supporting employees through various life stages, alleviate the challenges faced by caregivers, and create a workplace culture that values inclusivity and empathy.
Claire Harbord, chief people officer at Personal Group, said: “With Britain’s aging population, it’s clear that many people are increasingly finding themselves juggling caregiving duties alongside many other work and personal challenges, highlighting the necessity for robust support mechanisms within the workplace. We wanted to go one step further than the government legislation, so we are delighted to offer even more holistic support by providing paid leave to eligible employees from day one of their employment.”
Employee benefits that some Personal Group employees are entitled to include private medical insurance, discounted gym membership, free travel insurance for staff and their families, life assurance worth four-times salary, team and individual incentives, a health plan and salary sacrifice arrangements including technology purchase discounts, a retail discounts platform, car lease schemes and share ownership plans.