Equal Opportunities

Achieving the Balance

‘Achieving the Balance’ is a combination of BT’s formal work-life policies, practical guidance, advice and examples designed to help people find the work-life balance that’s right for them. BT has also developed the Employers for Work-Life Balance web-site: www.employersforWork-LifeBalance.org.uk/

Achieving the Balance is divided as follows:

Section 1: Flexible working
Section 2: Lifestyle-friendly
Section 3: Carers
Section 4: Well-being

1 Flexible working

BT wants to create a working environment in which we all achieve a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working can help make this a reality.

alternative attendance patterns
homeworking
part-time working
job sharing

Here are some contact points for people who are considering homeworking:

Workstyle Consultancy Group web-site: http://finance.intra.bt.com/workstyle/
Options 2000 web-site: http://buildings.intra.bt.com/options2000/
BT Wireless is running a similar programme called WorkOut: http://buildings.intra.bt.com:80/hwbtcellnet/intro1.htm

Job sharing is an arrangement in which two or more people share the hours, responsibilities, pay and benefits of one or more full-time job. The BT Women’s Network (BTWN) also co-ordinates and maintains a job-share register. The BTWN website: http://swift.intra.bt.com/btwn/

To make a request for flexible working, you will need to prepare a business case showing how the new arrangements will meet the needs of the business as well as your own requirements. For more information and guidance on how to prepare your business case see the equality & diversity pages on the new HR intranet site: http://humanresources.intra.bt.com/equalityanddiversity/
or ring PeopleLine on 0800 731 4747.

2 Lifestyle-friendly

Maternity leave

BT has established a maternity scheme that offers significantly improved maternity benefits subject to eligibility. The maternity benefits go beyond the requirements laid out in current legislation.
A comprehensive booklet is available from the PeopleLine on 0800 731 4747. Alternatively, have a look at the policy document Maternity Leave and Maternity Pay, PNL/EMP/C011, which you can access via the HR special leave web-site: http://hr.intra.bt.com/leave/

Paternity leave

New fathers and men adopting a child are entitled to three days’ paid leave to be taken within one month of the birth. This policy applies equally to those in single-sex relationships.

Adoptive leave

BT will support parents-to-be during the adoption process, and adoptive leave is available to people adopting or applying to adopt a child. This policy applies equally to those in single-sex relationships.

Parental leave

Parental leave gives both parents up to 13 weeks’ leave – normally no more than 4 weeks in any 12 month period – for the purpose of caring for:

a child born after 15 December 1999, up to their 5th birthday, or
a child adopted after 15 December 1999, lasting for 5 years from the date of placement or until the child’s 18th birthday, or
a disabled child born after the 15 December 1999, up to their 18th birthday.

This policy applies equally to those in single-sex relationships.

Special and urgent domestic leave

Reasonable time off is available for people dealing with unexpected and serious family emergencies. The Employment Relations Act 1999 entitles you to reasonable time off during working hours for matters related to dependants.

Childcare

BT recognises that childcare is a key issue for both men and women.

Nursery discounts

For more information visit the Equality & Diversity web-site: http://humanresources.intra.bt.com/equalityanddiversity/

BT Play project

A scheme managed locally by BT people is currently running at Adastral Park in Martlesham catering for children aged between 4 years 8 months and 13 years. BT fully supports BT people wishing to set up any such scheme. For further details and information, visit the web-site: http://hr.intra.bt.com/playproject/

3 Carers

There are almost seven million carers in the UK who look after frail, sick or disabled relatives or friends.

BT definition of a carer:

"A carer is an employee with significant caring responsibilities, which have a substantial impact on their working life. These employees will be responsible for the care and support of a disabled, elderly or sick partner, relative or friend who is unable to care for themselves."

By supporting carers through the flexible working arrangements outlined in section 1, BT can help relieve some of the worry and stress experienced by carers, while also maintaining their valuable skills and experience.

4 Well-being

For general health concerns or issues, speak to your line manager. You can get help and information from the OHS (Occupational Health Service) on their help line 0800 800 992 or at their web-site: http://hr.intra.bt.com/ohs/ .

People who have specific needs or a disability can request an assessment from AbilityNet. For more information call see the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.co.uk/ or call their help line 0800 269 545.

Managing pressure

'Managing pressure' is a comprehensive booklet designed to help people recognise and deal with the pressures and stress: http://hr.intra.bt.com/manpress/index.htm

Counselling services

Employee counselling helps people explore, clarify and understand their personal concerns in a safe environment. PPC UK Ltd has been appointed as the Employee Assistance Provider for BT people in the UK. Contact the PPC help line on 0800 917 6767, Minicom users 01865 397059. For more information, visit the web-site: http://hr.intra.bt.com/peoplesupport/counsel/ or call BT Employee Counselling on 0800 780 784.

Fitness and leisure

BT supports its people’s involvement in recreational fitness and leisure activities. More information and details of events can be found on the Fitness & Leisure web-site: http://hr.intra.bt.com/peoplesupport/recreation/index.htm or in the regular newsletter currently sent to post points.
You can find details of more leisure events provided by Benefits Plus: http://hr.intra.bt.com/benefitsplus/ or in BT Today.

More Information

If you would like more information see ISIS document: PNL/EMP/C013 or contact PeopleLine on 0800 731 4747.