Bank of Ireland Group plc has announced that it has implemented changes to its existing maternity leave policy, to protect leave for any women undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illness.
The new maternity leave provision will be made available to Bank of Ireland colleagues across the Group who are already on maternity leave, along with those taking maternity leave in the future. Under the Bank’s existing Maternity Leave Policy, all colleagues on maternity leave are eligible to avail of full pay for 26 weeks, irrespective of length of service. Bank of Ireland colleagues who are undergoing treatment for cancer or serious illness will be able to postpone maternity leave for between 5 and 52 weeks and it will not affect other forms of leave including unpaid maternity leave and parents leave.
Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “As one of the largest employers across the island of Ireland, we are committed to building a supportive workplace and contributing to a progressive society. An important part of this is ensuring we have the right policies in place to support our colleagues, especially when they are facing difficulties life can sometimes bring.
“This latest change forms part of our Family Matters policies for colleagues and we have seen encouraging take-up of a number of these policies to date, including Fertility leave, Surrogacy leave and Menopause Leave. We will continue to listen to our colleagues and update our policies so we are able to support them when they most need help.”
In 2023, Bank of Ireland introduced Family Matters, a suite of new employee benefits and existing policy enhancements intended to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for colleagues at different life stages. The Bank has seen a strong take up of family-focused leave options among colleagues, including paid paternity and parents leave, menopause, fertility and surrogacy leave.
Across the Group:
Since introduction, the number of colleagues availing of Fertility Leave reflects the nationally estimated average of 1 in 7 people who have fertility issues, meaning that 57 colleagues were supported with time to pursue fertility treatment options.
71 colleagues have availed of paid Menopause leave since introduction.
Bank of Ireland introduced surrogacy leave in 2023 to mirror maternity leave entitlements and therefore this leave postponement option in the event of cancer or serious illness also applies to surrogacy leave.
The Bank’s Domestic Abuse policy provides clear support for those affected by home events, including both financial and non-financial support to colleagues who experience domestic abuse. This support can include paid leave and flexibility with the work environment or schedule. In emergency situations – where a colleague needs to immediately leave an abusive partner – the Bank will help through paid emergency hotel accommodation or a salary advance.
Bank of Ireland colleagues in need of support can contact people managers confidentially or access the Bank’s Family Matters Hub or Wellbeing App. They can also avail of the Group’s Employee Assistance Programme, Here for you 24/7 which provides counselling and information services.
