ESB employees who become fathers will be entitled to three days' paid paternity leave at the birth or adoption of their children. The move has been agreed by the company and the ESB group of unions and indicates a joint commitment by all parties to support and promote an equal opportunities environment within the company.
The ESB says it is now one of the first employers in the State to agree this right for its male employees. Ms Frieda Murray, the company's equal opportunities manager, said the initiative was "very significant" and showed equal opportunities were of benefit to both men and women. Eighty-six per cent of ESB employees are male.