Zurich introduces ‘family-friendly’ policies for UK staff

“Fundamentally, it’s about doing what’s right for our employees,” is how Steve Collinson, Zurich’s head of human resources in the UK, puts it as the insurer introduces family-friendly policies for its 4,500-strong workforce in Britain. The policies include an equalized approach to company-enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave as well as support for premature births, with additional paid leave for the premature period. Also, in addition to a new bereavement and compassionate leave policy, Zurich is offering paid leave to staff who undergo vitro fertilization and those who suffer a miscarriage. The launch comes amid the government’s ongoing consultation on parental leave and pay. Welcoming the development is MP for North Swindon and Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Justin Tomlinson, who himself is a first-time father this year and is “acutely aware” of how crucial the first few weeks and months are. Tomlinson believes allowing both parents to share this time helps to develop important family bonds.