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Sony Music introduces policy for staff whose babies are born prematurely
Sony Music UK has introduced a new policy for staff which grants extra time off to any employee whose baby is born prematurely.
Under current law, maternity/paternity leave begins the day after birth, regardless of whether the baby is premature. However, Sony Music will be offering employees full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term, demonstrating its continued commitment to providing the best support for employees.
Jason Iley [Chairman and CEO] says, “we always strive to be understanding and compassionate towards our employees. We appreciate that it can be an extremely difficult and worrying time for those who experience premature labour and family is of the upmost importance.”
Sony Music artist Paloma Faith has previously discussed the challenging experience she had suffering a premature labour and says of her record label’s policy, “I have spoken publicly about the struggles I experienced with childbirth and it’s so important for new parents to feel supported. In that moment, everything else takes a back seat and it’s wonderful that Sony Music are acknowledging that by introducing this.”
Sony Music is backing the charity The Smallest Things which campaigns for extended maternity and paternity leave for parents of premature babies across all companies. Catriona Ogilvy [Founder of The Smallest Things] says, “we are delighted that Sony Music UK has signed up to our Employer with Heart charter and will give parents of babies born prematurely the extra time they need. Visiting a fragile baby on a neonatal unit for weeks, sometimes months, is terrifying and shouldn’t be counted as maternity or paternity leave. Bringing your baby home can be difficult too, as often there are ongoing medical issues and concerns about development and immunity. This extra time will give parents more chance to bond with their babies, take care of them at home for longer and recover from the trauma themselves.”
