Deloitte UK has unveiled a new policy of 26 weeks fully paid leave for all its new parents, which will come into effect on 1 January 2025.
The move comes as new YouGov research, commissioned by Deloitte, shows that family leave is crucial consideration for employees with nine out of 10 (87%) saying it is a major factor when choosing an employer, and 85% saying it is key for staying put!
Deloitte CEO, Richard Houston (pictured), said: “I am proud of the changes we are announcing – they demonstrate both the significance and value we place on looking after our people during some of the most important moments in their lives, as well as our added commitment to equality.”
The Deloitte-commissioned research reveals the significant impact of unequal parenting leave and inflexible work arrangements on working mothers’ career progression. Over half of working mothers (54%) say that if their partner had more parenting leave, it would help them to progress in their career.
An even higher number of working mothers (61%) say that if their partner had more flexibility in their role, it would help them to progress. 57% of working mothers say they have had to reduce working hours because of their co-parent’s workplace inflexibility, more than double the number of working fathers (25%).
Other new measures introduced by Deloitte include up to 12 weeks of additional paid leave for parents whose child requires neonatal care. The firm is also increasing support for carers with long-term caregiving roles – who can now take five days paid leave per year – and strengthening support for those undergoing fertility treatment, by giving its people paid time off for fertility treatment. These new measures come on top of Deloitte’s existing family policies and support for its people.
