Mum Isn’t the Only Word: Burberry Creates Global Parental Leave Policy

LONDON — The corporate rallying cries are multiplying: diversity, sustainability, inclusivity and, now, maternity — and paternity.
Burberry is hoping to alleviate the angst of new parenthood with an enriched, global parental leave policy and an opportunity for new mothers and fathers to work fewer hours, at full pay, in the weeks following their return from leave.
As of April 1, the start of the company’s new fiscal year, Burberry will offer all employees 18 weeks of parental leave at full pay, and the opportunity to work a 30-hour week, at full pay, for four weeks after they clock back into work.
Burberry said the new policy builds upon its existing maternity, paternity, adoption and partner leave rules and creates a “consistent approach for all employees globally” who have worked at the company for at least 12 months.
The fact that this is a global policy is key for Burberry, as countries’ maternity policies can differ vastly. The U.S. is among the few developed countries worldwide that does not offer paid maternity leave at a federal government level.
Depending on the company they are working for, American parents are often forced to cobble together holidays, personal days and short-term disability leave so they can care for

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