Parental Leave Policy

Parental Leave Policy

Global Bank is committed to supporting employees through significant life events, including the arrival of a new child. This policy covers maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, and shared parental leave. All entitlements exceed statutory minimums and reflect the bank's commitment to being an employer of choice.

Maternity Leave

Entitlement

All eligible employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of length of service. To qualify for enhanced maternity pay, the employee must have at least 26 weeks of continuous service by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.

Enhanced Maternity Pay

How to Apply

• Notify your line manager and HR Services at least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
• Submit the Maternity Leave Application via Workday under Time Off > Parental Leave.
• Provide a MAT B1 certificate from your midwife or GP at least 20 weeks before the due date.

Paternity Leave

Entitlement

Eligible employees (with at least 26 weeks of continuous service) are entitled to 4 weeks of fully paid paternity leave. This exceeds the statutory entitlement of 2 weeks.

How to Apply

• Notify your line manager and HR Services at least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
• Submit the Paternity Leave Application via Workday.
• Paternity leave must be taken within 56 days of the child's birth or placement (for adoption).

Adoption Leave

Employees who are adopting a child are entitled to the same leave and pay provisions as maternity leave. The primary adopter receives the equivalent of enhanced maternity pay, and the secondary adopter receives the equivalent of paternity leave.

• Notification should be provided within 7 days of being matched with a child.
• Provide the Matching Certificate from the adoption agency to HR Services.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL)

Eligible parents may opt into Shared Parental Leave, allowing them to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between them. SPL offers flexibility to take leave in blocks separated by periods of work, subject to employer agreement.

Key Rules

• Both parents must meet eligibility criteria (employment and earnings tests).
• The birth mother or primary adopter must curtail their maternity/adoption leave to create SPL entitlement.
• At least 8 weeks' notice is required for each block of SPL.
• Employees may submit up to 3 separate notices to book discontinuous blocks of leave.

Keeping In Touch (KIT) Days

Employees on maternity or adoption leave may work up to 10 KIT days without affecting their leave or pay entitlement. Employees on Shared Parental Leave may work up to 20 SPLIT days. KIT/SPLIT days must be agreed in advance with the line manager and are paid at the employee's normal daily rate.

Returning to Work

Employees returning from parental leave are entitled to return to the same role or, if that is not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative role on no less favourable terms. Flexible working requests upon return are considered in line with the Flexible Working Arrangements policy.

For questions about parental leave, contact HR Services at hr.services@globalbank.com or the dedicated Parental Leave Advisor on extension 4410.