We have many family friendly policies available in the Western Trust. Below are just some examples:
Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Leave Provisions
All employees will have the right to take 52 weeks of maternity/adoption leave which may be a mixture of paid and unpaid leave at either statutory or occupational pay rates which is dependent on meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
There is an entitlement to two week’ occupational maternity support pay – this will apply to biological and adoptive fathers, nominated carers and same sex partners.
Shared Parental Leave
Our Shared Parental Leave policy enables eligible mothers, fathers, partners and adopters to choose how to share time off work after their child is born or placed for adoption, and will enable them to take time off in a more flexible way.
Supporting Breastfeeding Employees
The Western Trust Policy to Support Breastfeeding Employees has been developed in support of the Northern Ireland Breastfeeding Strategy 2013 and in light of good practice guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE).
Line Managers and the Terms & Conditions Department, HR, will support pregnant and breastfeeding employees through negotiating breaks and practices that will help facilitate each employee’s infant feeding goals. As part of this policy any employee returning to work and breastfeeding will also be able to redeem a free ‘Return to Work’ pack.