New carers’ policy for workers

Workers at Perth’s Aviva will now be able to benefit from a new carers’ policy.

Aviva, which is a major employer in Perth and Kinross, has introduced the new policy giving carers up to 35 hours paid leave per year, plus an extra 35 hours a year for emergencies.

They have also improved their working flexibility for employees to work around their caring responsibilities, such as introducing more part-time hours.

This new policy also includes extending parental leave to include carers, meaning employers can have up to four weeks of unpaid leave a year. Bereavement leave at the Perth office has also been increased from 35 hours to 70 hours.

Andy Briggs, CEO UK insurance and global life at Aviva, said: “Nearly one in eight UK workers currently combine working and caring commitments. Dealing with these dual responsibilities can be challenging and often unpredictable.

“Through the pilot in our Bristol office, we’ve recognised that a significant number of our employees have caring duties.

“We’ve also carried out independent research which revealed 83 per cent of UK carers believe they should be treated by employers in the same way as parents - for example, having the right to take up to 18 weeks unpaid leave. Knowing this, we are very pleased to introduce this policy today to give further support to all of our UK colleagues.

“Changing demographics and an ageing population mean that three in five people in the UK will end up caring for someone at some point of their lives. So we’re taking this step now, to support our workers and the people they care about.”