We have introduced premature baby leave for our UK based employees and become the first defence company to sign The Employer with Heart Charter in partnership with The Smallest Things charity.
Colleagues, whose baby is born premature, will be entitled to additional paid leave, offering families the time and space they need during what can be a difficult and emotional period. The new provision builds on our neonatal leave and forms part of our wider commitments to inclusive family friendly working.
Louise Atkinson, our Chief People Officer said: “Introducing premature baby leave sits alongside Babcock’s broader inclusive leave offerings, which supports parents and carers of all genders and family structures, including enhanced parental leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave.
“This commitment reinforces Babcock’s ambition to build a more diverse and inclusive organisation, where colleagues feel supported to grow long-term careers while contributing to the critical work we do for our customers.”
“Our people do extraordinary work to support our country and our allies, often in complex and demanding environments and so when they need us most it’s our responsibility to be there for them.”
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry said: “When a baby is born prematurely, families face an incredibly challenging time. It’s right that employers do everything they can to remove pressure and provide meaningful support.
“By introducing premature baby leave and signing the Employer with Heart Charter, Babcock is setting an important example for the Defence sector, showing that compassion, flexibility and inclusion are powerful drivers of a motivated workforce and a high performing organisation. Valuing our people matters, and that’s why this support is so crucial.”