Firm’s equal parental leave for all declared ‘ground-breaking’

Perth-based Aviva claims policy is ‘family-friendly’ and creates equality

Perth-based insurance giant Aviva has announced a “ground-breaking” parental leave package for new mothers and fathers

All 16,000 UK employees of the company will be entitled to 26 weeks off on full pay, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

The leave will be available regardless of how they become parents, whether through birth, adoption or surrogacy.

If both parents are employees of Aviva, they will each have their own entitlement to leave and pay, which they can take at the same time.

Previously the firm, which has 1,000 employees based in Perth, had allowed 18 weeks of maternity and adoption leave at full pay, but just two weeks for new fathers.

The firm said the move would help remove barriers to career progression while creating equality in the workforce.

Mark Wilson, group chief executive officer at Aviva, said: “I want to live in a world where the only criteria for success is someone’s talent, not their gender.

“Treating parents equally will help make this happen. We want Aviva to be a progressive, inclusive, welcoming place to work.

“It’s good for our people and it’s also good business sense.”

Sarah Morris, Aviva’s chief people officer, added: “We think this is one of the most ground-breaking, family-friendly policies offered by any employer.

“It’s time to equalise parental leave and create a level playing field for men and women who want to take time out from their career to spend with their family.

“This will transform the first year of parenthood for many families, giving them the opportunity to spend precious time together. It’s one of our commitments to build a more inclusive and diverse culture at Aviva.”

The move was also praised by local MSP Murdo Fraser, who said: “This is a welcome announcement from Aviva, which now boasts one of the most competitive maternity/paternity packages anywhere in the world.

“Ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunity to time off following the birth of a child is important and it would be good to see other companies take Aviva’s lead.”

April and Stefan Morkis with new arrival Georgia Violet. Stefan says Aviva’s new leave policy will help families spend time together adapting to the new member of their family. Picture: Kris Miller.