Section 1 — Parental Leave Entitlements. Primary caregivers are entitled to sixteen (16) weeks of parental leave at 100% of base salary, commencing on the date of birth, adoption, or placement. An additional ten (10) weeks at 60% of base salary may be taken consecutively or intermittently within the first twelve (12) months. Secondary caregivers are entitled to six (6) weeks of fully paid parental leave, which must be taken within the first six (6) months following the qualifying event. These entitlements apply equally regardless of gender and extend to biological birth, adoption, foster placement, and surrogacy arrangements. Employees must notify their manager and HR at least eight (8) weeks before the anticipated start of leave, except in cases of emergency or early delivery. A Gradual Return-to-Work programme allows returning parents to work an 80% schedule at 100% pay for the first four (4) weeks following their return from parental leave.