Coles introduces major change for staff members
One of Australia’s biggest businesses has just made a massive change to how it handles supporting new parents.
Pregnancy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Pregnancy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Australia’s biggest businesses has just made a massive change to how it handles supporting new parents.
From September 1, the Coles Group will introduce paid parental leave benefits without employees having to wait 12 months.
This is for both primary and secondary carers.
Meanwhile, secondary carers with get double the amount of leave from two weeks to four, which can be taken any time within 24 months of the birth, adoption or surrogacy birth of a child.
Love news? Stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >
The leave can be taken one day at a time, as multiple days or as a complete block.
For primary carers receiving government paid parental leave, superannuation payments will also be introduced with team members to receive that leave based on the minimum wage when primary carers leave is not being paid.
Coles has also formalised a policy for people who’s pregnancy – either through birth, adoption or surrogacy – does not come to term.
Coles Group Chief of People and Culture Kris Webb said that these changes will go some way to helping team members planning their family.
“We want to make Coles a great place to work for all team members. This means supporting them through significant life moments such as planning to welcome a new addition to their family,” Ms Webb said.
“For people who are having a child and wanting to work for Coles, we don’t want them to feel they need to wait to receive primary carers leave, because we know that this is not always possible.
“No one should feel they need to hold off having a family because of their job.
“We also are pleased to be extending our secondary carers leave because we know how important it is for primary carers to have the support of their partners during these important times of their lives.
“This policy applies to team members who work in our stores, our distribution centres and our store support centre, so it’s really expansive and we hope will make a big difference to our team members planning to grow their families.”
Originally published as Coles introduces major change for staff members
Major breakthrough in the pill for men
Researchers in an Australian lab have taken a major step forward in the development of hormone-free male contraceptive pills.
Major cash boost for Aussie families
Women who give birth to or adopt babies after July 1 next year will be eligible for an increased cash boost aimed at lowering the “motherhood tax”.