Working parents and carers
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.
Working parents and carers
Legal changes in April 2024 created new rights for working parents and carers. Watch our videos to find out more about carer’s leave and updates to the law on flexible working and priority redeployment.
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Highlights of working parents and carers experience:
Advised a European software company on the design and implementation of their industry-leading flexible and hybrid working proposals.
Worked with a global technology company to consider multijurisdictional advice on fertility support in the workplace.
Advised a multinational financial services company on the drafting and implementation of a Women's Health Policy.
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