No: 86 Ref: 3/18/6 Date: 17th February 2003 TO: ALL BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS EMPLOYED IN BT PLC Dear Colleagues, BT MATERNITY, PATERNITY AND ADOPTIVE LEAVE AND PAY Since October 2001 the CWU, together with Connect, have been in discussions with BT to seek improvements to Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive Leave provisions across the Company. We also sought to ensure that BT updated their procedures in time for legal changes due to come into force on 6th April 2003. I am pleased to announce that we have now secured agreement with BT for substantial improvements to Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive Leave provision. This agreement not only takes account of legal changes and new statutory minimums, it also represents significant improvements to existing terms for our members. Main Improvements and Comparison with Existing Terms All of the following improvements apply to people whose children are due to be born (or placed for adoption) on or after 6th April 2003. Maternity Up to 52 weeks maternity leave compared to 40 weeks at present. First 18 weeks at full pay, next 8 weeks at half pay (or £100 if higher) and next 26 weeks at £100, compared to 14 weeks fully pay plus 4 weeks lower rate Statutory Maternity Pay at present. Paternity 10 days paternity leave at full pay plus 10 days unpaid compared to 5 days at full pay at present. Adoptive Leave Primary carers will be eligible for the equivalent maternity leave and pay irrespective of the age of the child. Secondary carers will be eligible for the new paternity leave and pay. Whilst the improvements are welcome, we have expressed our concern over the delay in implementing the changes. People who are affected by the 6th April cut-off date may have already given the required 15 weeks notice of their intentions under the existing, less favourable arrangements. Therefore, we have secured assurances from BT that anyone, who has already given notice and wishes to make changes in light of the revised proposals, will have their wishes honoured. Further discussions on the detailed implementation arrangements, such as qualifying periods, will now take place with BT and will be reported to branches. Any enquiries regarding this letter should be directed to Michele Emerson, Acting Assistant Secretary. Yours sincerely, MICHÈLE EMERSON Acting Assistant Secretary .