Changes to paternity leave made by Bellway as part of a strategy to improve its family-friendly policies is having a positive impact for new dads across the company.
Following extensive consultation with employees, the housebuilder has introduced a range of improvements to its maternity, adoption, shared parental and paternity leave entitlements.
Statutory paternity pay is now available from day one of employment and enhanced paternity pay has been increased from two weeks on full basic pay to four weeks after one year’s service.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor Stevie Lewis, who has worked within Bellway’s East Midlands division in Leicester for the past three years, reaped the benefits of the changes after the birth of his second child, a son, in June 2023.
Stevie, 33, who also has a two-year-old daughter, said: “I have recently come back to work after the arrival of my newborn son. My paternity leave was extended to four weeks following Bellway’s adjustments to their policies.
“This extended period was a huge help for me and my partner, who had a caesarean section. I was able to help her whilst she recovered from the surgery, which meant a lot to both of us.”
Bellway has updated its family-friendly policies as part of its Better with Bellway strategy, which sets out its commitment to sustainable and responsible working practices.
This strategy has also seen the introduction of more flexible working practices, incorporating core hours to give employees more flexibility on start and finish times.
Flexible working has also been an important benefit for Stevie, who previously worked in sales before studying for a masters in quantity surveying and then applying to Bellway’s graduate scheme.
He said: “Bellway’s support has been invaluable – I cannot fault it. I was offered flexible working and this meant I was able to alter my hours to allow me to be at home earlier to spend time with my children.”
Laura Bell, Bellway Group HR and Organisational Development Manager, said: “At Bellway, we are committed to being an employer of choice. We recognise that our employees are central to the company and therefore having happy, supported employees is essential to us.
“The improvements to our family-friendly policies were introduced following feedback from staff and listening to their experiences. We understand the challenges that being a parent can bring and want to ensure that we provide opportunities for everyone to have a positive professional and personal life balance.”
Bellway is actively recruiting for a range of roles across the business. For more information, visit https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/.