BBC to extend parental leave for parents of premature babies
Parents at the BBC are to receive additional maternity or paternity pay should their baby be born prematurely.
I’m pleased the BBC will be able to provide further support for parents of premature babies at what is undeniably a very difficult time.
For any baby born before 37 weeks, full pay will be extended for mothers by the number of days the baby is born before the due date. For partners, this will be extended by up to two weeks full pay.
Currently the BBC’s exceptional leave policy of up to ten days can be used to recognise those who might need extra support. However, this change to the BBC’s parental leave policy provides reassurance that full support will be given throughout the period between the baby’s premature arrival and the original due date, and protects the full length of the parent’s maternity or paternity leave.
We also recognise that returning to work can be a difficult time for parents of premature babies, with potentially on-going medical appointments for the child. We will offer further support when required, either with additional leave or informal flexible working arrangements.
The change to the policy will start from 1 April 2019.
The move has been announced ahead of a new Wellbeing strategy to be launched shortly, and as part of our ongoing commitment to making the BBC a great place to work.
Valerie Hughes D’Aeth, Chief HR Officer, says: “I’m pleased the BBC will be able to provide further support for parents of premature babies at what is undeniably a very difficult time. We’re committed to making the BBC a great place to work and it’s right that, given our position as a public service broadcaster, we’re continuing to adapt our policies to recognise issues that impact on our staff.”
BBC Press Office
Notes to editors:
- The BBC recently improved its paternity and shared parental leave policies as part of the review of employee Terms and Conditions. Two weeks full pay is now offered for paternity leave and 18 weeks full pay for shared parental leave.
- BBC maternity pay also offers 18 weeks full pay followed by 21 weeks of statutory maternity pay
- Maternity leave can start from eleven weeks before the expected week of childbirth or the day following the birth if the baby is born before maternity leave starts.
