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Welcoming more women into our business isn’t just a target for us – it’s hardwired
into every decision we make about the way we work together, the way we bring people
into our business and the strategy that drives our growth.
It’s imperative that we welcome more women into our business, especially in areas
where they’ve always been underrepresented – like in technology, sales and engineering.
Why? Because BT Group provides the digital backbone for the nation. We’re shaping
modern life in the digital world. We must do that in a way that’s responsible,
sustainable and inclusive.
The Gender Equality Network – informally known as the GEN – is an inclusive group with a focus on gender equality. Their aim is to raise awareness around gender issues, support colleagues and to inspire changes to BT’s policy, processes and culture.
Everyone’s welcome to join the GEN. They host monthly events (both online and in person) and host speakers from organisations like Code First Girls and Women Returners. It’s a great way to network and connect with like-minded colleagues from around the business.
For parents, we’re introducing a new family leave policy. No matter how your family is made up, all parents welcoming a new child get the same family leave benefit. That’s 18 weeks’ full pay, then 8 weeks’ half pay followed by up to 26 weeks at the statutory rate.
This puts us in the top 33% of FTSE100 employers – currently less than 50% of companies offer aligned maternity and paternity leave.
The UK’s changing demographic means that more and more people have caring responsibilities. According to Carers UK, 1 in 5 people are forced to give up work to care and 59% of unpaid carers are women.
To support our colleagues who care for someone because they’re ill, older or have a disability, we’re offering up to two weeks’ paid leave. Again, we’re going above and beyond the statutory requirement, which entitles all carers in employment to just five days’ unpaid leave.
We know that colleagues find it difficult to book an NHS GP appointment when they’re working, so we’re offering free access to a 24/7 online GP service for all our UK colleagues, their partners and children up to the age of 21.
We also offer additional health services specifically for women including help with periods, targeted cancer screenings and a 12-month menopause support programme.
