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Leading employers set a standard for parental leave

Published: 13 Nov 2024

Benchmark report 2024 cover image

The 2024 Working Families Benchmark, sponsored by bp, has revealed that some of the leading employers are pioneering a better parental leave deal for their employees. On average, employers offered 18 weeks of fully paid maternity leave as a day one right, 5 weeks of fully paid paternity leave and 14 weeks of fully paid shared parental leave. Organisations which had an equal parenting policy offered on average 21 weeks of fully paid leave as a day one right.

The figures are a significant improvement on the statutory leave allowance and show that employers are listening to the ever-growing calls for parents to be more supported in the first year of a baby’s life. Previous research by the charity found that mothers, particularly in lower income families, are finding they need more financial assistance in the current economic climate to be able to take off the time they need. In addition, campaign groups for fathers are demanding a better deal so they can reap the benefits of being a more involved parent in the early months.

Amongst the Benchmark employers, take-up was significantly better than the national average, indicating the appetite for change. Take-up was supported by other measures to shift the workplace culture to a more family-friendly environment. Employers reported high levels of management training, senior leaders modelling flexible working, and wellbeing support in place.

The report also shines a light on the importance of transparent flexible options when advertising roles, providing paid Carers Leave, and the business benefits of flexible working, such as savings on building costs, increased productivity and lower staff turnover.

Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families said:

This report shows that Benchmark employers are not afraid to chart the course for parents when it comes to parental leave. Their actions demonstrate the value they place on employees who are parents and at the same time are leading the charge in tackling gender inequality.

With almost all (96%) employers encouraging senior leaders to be role models for flexible working and 9 in 10 equipping their managers with the right training to lead flexible teams, these employers understand the holistic approach needed to achieve transformational change in the workplace. And with every single employer implementing measures to boost wellbeing, they are also committed to supporting the whole individual.

Read the Benchmark report

  • Leading employers light the path for parental leave 

    With the recognition that parental leave is good for both babies and parents, the call is becoming louder for longer periods of paid leave for mothers and fathers/partners, and an equalising of leave so that families can decide how they want to divide up the care of their child.  

  • Close up of two people's arms working at a desk with a laptop. They are holding papers with various charts on, and have a calculator to hand.

    The Working Families Benchmark

    The Working Families benchmark is the only tool available that measures all aspects of flexible working and work-life policies and practice.

  • The Top 30 Employers in 2024

    Organisations across the UK who are leading the way in building flexible, family friendly workplaces were unveiled on 25 September, 2024.