Deloitte UK equalises paid parenting leave

Deloitte UK has today announced a new policy of 26 weeks’ fully paid family 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 a crucial consideration for employees, with nine out of ten (87%) saying it is a major factor when choosing an employer and 85% saying it is key for staying put.

“I’m proud of the changes we’re announcing today – 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,” said Richard Houston, Deloitte Senior Partner and CEO.

Equal family leave policies could boost careers 

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%).

“These findings underscore the urgent need for employers to adopt policies that support all parents in balancing work and family responsibilities, ultimately fostering greater gender equality in the workplace,” said Jackie Henry, Deloitte managing partner People & Purpose.

“We know that equalising paid parenting leave for all parents is an important step in improving gender equality and in giving families the opportunity to share responsibility right from the early days of parenthood. This move demonstrates our ongoing commitment to greater equality in family responsibilities – and will make Deloitte an even more family-friendly place to work.”

Call for transparency

The Deloitte-commissioned research revealed that 50% of working parents find it challenging to access information about paternity and maternity leave during the job-hunting process. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for parents to make informed decisions about their careers.

The survey also sheds light on challenges faced by working parents, with 67% reporting increased stress or anxiety levels while balancing work and family responsibilities. Just over a quarter (28%) say they are not encouraged by their employer to take time off for family-related commitments.

Beyond parenting leave, 61% of respondents expressed a desire for more flexible work hours for new fathers, with 46% wanting hybrid working and 42% calling for a more supportive workplace culture.

New paid leave 

Other new measures introduced by Deloitte today 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.

Henry concludes: “We support all definitions of family, which is why the measures we’ve announced today support our people at various stages of their lives – including those undergoing fertility treatment and those with long-term caring responsibilities. We believe that these changes will help our people to balance caring responsibilities with work commitments and support their wellbeing.”