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Latest news in Yorkshire: October 16, 2018 11:56:33 AM
South Yorkshire Police are the first police force in the UK to join the
charity The Smallest Things on their campaign ‘Employer with a Heart’,
giving extra rights to parents of premature babies.
In February, the charity launched their ‘Employer with a Heart’ campaign
and introduced the ‘Employer with Heart’ charter for employers to sign
up to and support parents of premature babies.
By signing up to be an ‘Employer with Heart’, we are recognising the
unique, yet significant needs for some officers and staff following the
premature birth of a child. We will be offering additional paid leave,
to mothers who give birth prematurely, as well as extra leave to support
paternity and maternity leave.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: ‘I am really pleased we are
supporting The Smallest Things, ‘Employer with Heart’ campaign.
‘We understand that being the parent of a premature baby can be uniquely
difficult and lead to some considerable anxiety. It is important our
staff feel supported in dedicating their time and energy toward their
newborn during that time.
‘I trust this policy will go some way to lightening the burden during a
sometimes unsettling period and provide a further illustration of the
force’s commitment to the welfare of its staff.’
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of The Smallest Things, said: “We are delighted
that South Yorkshire Police have signed up to our ‘Employer with Heart’
charter and will give parents of babies born prematurely the extra time
they need. They become the first Police Force in the UK to do so and we
encourage others to follow their lead.
‘Visiting a fragile baby on a neonatal intensive care unit for weeks,
sometimes months, is terrifying and shouldn’t be counted as maternity or
paternity leave. This extra time will give parents more chance to bond
with their babies, take care of them at home for longer and recover from
the trauma themselves.’
Consideration will also be given to formal or informal flexible working
patterns to parents returning to work following the birth of their
premature baby.
For more information about the charity, please visit
www.thesmallestthings.org
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