Burberry introduces 18 week parental leave

Burberry will launch a new global parental leave policy, it was announced today. 

The new policy will offer all employees 18 weeks of fully-paid parental leave. Upon their return to work, employees will also be given the opportunity to work a 30-hour week at full pay for a further four weeks.  

The new policy will take effect from 1 April 2020, and will be applicable to those who have been with the company for at least 12 months. 

The fashion retailer said the policy “creates a consistent approach for all employees globally”, and builds on “existing maternity, paternity, adoption and partner leave commitments”.

Erica Bourne, CEO of Burberry, said: “Creating an environment that is truly open and inclusive is incredibly important to us at Burberry. 

“We want everyone to have the best possible experience and feel supported to succeed, especially during times of change in life. 

“We believe our new parental leave policy, which is leading in the luxury industry, will make a significant difference to many of our colleagues around the world.”

She added: “We’re proud to have an inclusive culture and now a policy which equalises our approach in all markets, enabling new parents to take time with their families and phase their return to work. 

“It reflects our commitment to building a strong pipeline of talent, so that all colleagues are supported to develop their careers here at Burberry”.

Burberry says it has long championed a “diverse leadership team”, with women accounting for two thirds of its global workforce. The company also has the highest proportion of women in executive team and direct report positions in the FTSE100.