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Awendaw reviews updated employee handbook and proposes two-week paid parental leave
Summary
Council reviewed a reformatted employee handbook (first revision since 2013) that would add a paid parental leave policy granting up to two weeks of paid leave within 12 months after a birth or placement for adoption/foster care; the handbook also includes procedural and accommodation language.
Town staff presented an updated employee handbook, reformatted from the 2013 version, and highlighted a proposed paid parental leave policy that would entitle full‑time employees to up to two weeks of paid parental leave during the 12 months following a birth or the placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
Staff said the draft explains entitlement, allowable uses of the leave, notification requirements and procedures for reasonable accommodation upon return to work. The draft was described as legal‑reviewed and modeled in part on a policy used by another municipality.
Why it matters: Adding paid parental leave would change the town’s benefits for employees and could affect recruitment, retention and payroll expenses. The council briefly reviewed where the handbook content appears (after chapter 15/page 27 of the existing handbook) and the logistics of accessing the digital draft.
Details: The staff presenter said the parental-leave policy specifically covers birth by the employee, the birth of a child by an employee’s spouse or partner and placement by adoption or foster care. The draft includes procedures on notification and how the town will consider reasonable accommodations when employees return to work.
What’s next: The handbook update was presented for council discussion; staff did not record a final adoption vote in the transcript and indicated the handbook changes are subject to further review and council direction.
Sources: Staff presentation to the Awendaw Town Council regarding the employee handbook update and proposed paid parental leave.
