The Insurance Australia Group already provides 14-weeks paid leave. Now it is doubling the salary of new mothers in its workforce for the first six weeks back in the job.
The ACTU has welcomed the announcement, saying it should put pressure on other big banks and insurers to review their paid parental schemes.
"I think companies are not going to have any choice," ACTU president Ged Kearney told ABC Radio on Monday.
"We really need women to participate in our work place. It is important for the economy."
Ms Kearney acknowledged small companies would find it difficult to offer the same scheme but urged owners to consider the economic benefits of having ongoing loyal employees who understood their business.
She also wants companies to offer mothers flexible working hours.
"Permanent part-time is something we would love to see," she said.
What has been your experience with paid maternity leave?
Agree (1)
Disagree (
__small.png)
