Penneys introduces enhanced family benefits for Irish workforce

Penneys launches enhanced family benefits, including maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy supports, alongside measures for fertility and pregnancy loss, for its 5,000+ Irish employees
20 January 2025
Penneys has announced the rollout of a number of enhanced family benefits covering maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy supports for its workforce of over 5,000 colleagues in its 38 stores in Ireland.
The added supports, combined with existing benefits already in place, are aimed at ensuring that Penneys offers an inclusive environment for all colleagues, regardless of their individual journey to parenthood.
Maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy supports
The new supports will see all qualifying colleagues with one year of continuous service benefiting from enhanced pay during their respective leave entitlement.
For colleagues on maternity leave, Penneys will now pay 50% of the difference between an employee’s base pay and any statutory payments they are entitled to, for up to 26 weeks.
Colleagues on paternity leave will be paid half of the difference between their base pay and any statutory payments they are entitled to for up to 2 weeks.
Those expecting a baby through surrogacy or adoption will be able to take 24 weeks’ ordinary leave and up to an extra 16 weeks’ additional unpaid leave.
While there are no statutory entitlements for those welcoming a baby through surrogacy, Penneys will pay 50% of their base weekly salary for the first 24 weeks.
Fertility and pregnancy loss supports
In addition to the enhanced benefits, Penneys also provides colleagues with a range of supports. Since 2022, those undergoing medical fertility treatment can take an additional 5 days paid leave per year.
The fashion retailer is also committed to supporting all colleagues who experience a pregnancy loss whether it happens directly to them, their partner or their baby’s surrogate through up to 10 days of paid leave in the event of a loss before the 24th week of pregnancy or full maternity and/or paternity leave in the event of a loss after 24 weeks.
Enhanced benefits
“I am very proud to make these enhanced benefits available to our colleagues across our network of 38 stores around the country, ensuring that they have the time, space and support during this important life stage,” said Michelle Whelan, head of people and culture, Penneys.
Whelan noted that Pennys is equally conscious that not everyone’s family journey is the same and people are not always successful on their journey to parenthood.
Given the amount of people who encounter challenges with fertility, Penny’s also have a range of supports in place to support them during what can be a very stressful time.
“While we are proud of the steps we are taking, we know that we are on a journey, and remain committed to continuing to listen and evolve our support for colleagues and their families,” Whelan noted.
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