Pictured above is Sarah and her beautiful family- Sarah is the Marketing & Communications Manager at QinetiQ
QinetiQ today announced a progressive new parental leave scheme that provides up to 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary care-givers and up to 3 weeks for non-primary caregivers. The new scheme also includes six weeks paid leave with no minimum qualifying period.
QinetiQ Australia Managing Director Greg Barsby said the new scheme is just one of a number of initiatives being led by QinetiQ’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee to support families and increase female participation in the workforce.
Mr Barsby said: “We are committed to providing a workplace which actively supports new parents and encourages more women to pursue careers in the defense industry.”
“As a Workplace Gender Equality Agency Pay Equity Ambassador I am committed to championing initiatives that increase equity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Under the new scheme, primary care-givers are entitled to a minimum of six weeks paid parental leave with no qualifying period, up to a maximum of 16 weeks’ paid parental leave following three years or more of completed service.
The scheme also includes:
- Five additional paid leave days to support the transition of new parents back into the workforce, that can be used within the first 12 months of returning to work
- Up to three weeks paid leave for non-primary care-givers
- Keeping in touch days and supported return to work plans.
QinetiQ have also recently became an Endorsed Employer for Women through WORK180. WORK180 is Australia’s only jobs platform which pre-screens employers to ensure they support women’s careers prior to advertising.
WORK180 Director, Community Engagement Valeria Ignatieva said QinetiQ’s removal of the minimum service period was something she has not come across previously in the defense sector.
Ms Ignatieva said: “We aren’t aware of any other defense businesses without minimum qualifying periods for paid parental leave. In fact, this is a very rare occurrence across any industry, with the average being a 12 month qualifying period.”
“Providing paid parental leave with no qualifying period is a positive step for industry and will go a long way in supporting gender equality.”
QinetiQ Australia General Manager People & Capability Jessica Ciccozzi said that the team are constantly reviewing the market and consulting with employees to ensure the company continues to tackle inequalities and build a more flexible and inclusive workplace.
Ms Ciccozzi said: “We are proud to be providing a leading and progressive policy within defense industry and I hope this will help to encourage more women to consider careers in this sector.”
QinetiQ Australia was named Defense Teaming Centre’s Employer of Choice in 2016, and was recently acknowledged as a finalist in the Australian HR Awards Employer of Choice category.
About QinetiQ
Qinetiq is an Endorsed Employer for Women. Qinetiq is also a FTSE250 company with over 6,000 employees worldwide; their scientists and engineers solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.
View jobs and apply to join QinetiQ here.