South Lanarkshire Council is delivering a huge package of benefits to its employees.
At the executive committee meeting last Wednesday, councillors approved plans to deliver additional benefits to staff
The package includes changes to the current paternity leave policy and also incorporates adding in support for pregnancy and loss.
Under the current policy for paternity leave, those eligible receive one week at full normal pay and the second week’s leave is under the Statutory Paternity Leave and Statutory Pay provisions.
The new proposals will see paid paternity leave increasing to four weeks.
The council has also signed up to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, which is a campaign where employers show their commitment in supporting staff through the distress of miscarriage.
This will include the council encouraging a supportive work environment to ensure people feel safe and are not discriminated against as well as implementing rules around pregnancy-related leave, ensuring staff feel able to take the time off they need.
Councillor Katy Louden (Cambuslang East), praised this policy, saying “I absolutely welcome signing up to the miscarriage justice pledge and I’m glad to see it here.
“Experiencing pregnancy loss is a difficult time in someone’s life, and it’s good to see that we’ve got support for people.
The council will also implement a one-off wellbeing day to thank the workforce for the work done during the pandemic.
Councillor Lynsey Hamilton (Clydesdale West), said: “I would like to welcome the report, I think this cements the work of the administration committing to being progressive and inclusive employer, there’s many points that will improve our female employees within the workforce, it makes it a more welcoming place to work.”
Provost Margaret Cooper (Avondale and Stonehouse), said: “I welcome this paper and I think a huge amount of work has gone into it, it’s a positive step forward for our staff and our officers.”
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