Asda offers double time off to double dads
Paternity leave extension for multiple birth fathers
As the government announces improvements to maternity pay provision in the pre-budget report, Asda has unveiled a scheme to help fathers of multiple-births.
Asda already goes further than the legal requirements and gives fathers two weeks paternity leave on full pay, but the new scheme will give multiple-birth fathers an extra two weeks paid paternity leave. This can also be supplemented by a further three months unpaid leave with all holiday entitlements, company benefits and the right to return to their current job protected.
ONS statistics show that fifteen out of every 1,000 women give birth to more than one child and that the number of multiple births has increased by 20 per cent in the last ten years. Much of the rise can be attributed to the increased use of fertility treatments and the fact that women are leaving it later to start their families.
Asda introduced IVF Leave in August 2003. The scheme gives five days paid leave for women undergoing fertility treatment, and one and a half day’s leave for their partners to help shoulder the burden of treatment.
Caroline Massingham, Asda’s operations people director, said: “Like all of our best ideas this one came from the shopfloor. Multiple births are on the rise and, more than ever, fathers want to play an active part in raising their children – we’re sure this will make a real difference.”
Helen Forbes, director of the Twins & Multiple Births Association, said: “This is exactly the sort of provision we would like to see companies across the UK making. We are delighted that Asda has taken the lead in recognising the additional burden placed on couples with twins and triplets in those early weeks and months, and the greater involvement that fathers of multiple births have.”
