Publication 24 Jun 2025 · United Kingdom

Working parents and carers

2 min read

In this publication

18 Pages

2. ESG for the Real Estate and Construction Industry

5. ESG: The People Perspective

5.1. Equality, diversity & inclusion

5.2. Mental health and wellbeing

5.6. Working parents and carers

8. ESG in corporate transactions

Key contacts

Sheffield

Tracey Marsden

Partner

Bristol

Anna Cope

Partner

Glasgow

Gillian MacLellan

Partner

Edinburgh

Catriona Aldridge

Partner

Studies show that family friendly policies have an impact on candidate attraction and job retention, particularly where pay is enhanced. For employers committed to ESG, taking a progressive approach to family friendly rights is a key aspect of supporting employees in their life beyond work.

Although the Employment Rights Bill includes several enhancements to family leave, none of the proposed changes are substantial and instead build on existing entitlements. Parental leave will become a day one right and the flexible working regime will be adjusted to ensure that more requests are agreed. The Government has also said they will review the parental leave system and review the implementation of carer’s leave.

But there are still gaps in the statutory framework. Fertility treatment is one area where the law is silent. Supporting staff who need to take time off for treatment is subject to various rights and an element of employer discretion, rather than being addressed under one framework. What is clear is that family friendly rights and work life balance remain a crucial aspect of the employer proposition.