Parental leave

Changing demographics will shape work/life integration

As we look to the future of work, it's clear that the boundaries separating career and personal life are beginning to shift. Changing demographics, evolving attitudes and the rise of new technologies...

Statue stunt spotlights calls for improved parental leave

Campaigners have strapped lifesized doll babies in slings to statues of men in central London, in a stunt aimed at lobbying the UK government to improve its parental leave offering.

Private sector lags behind public sector on maternity pay

Three quarters (75%) of companies in the private sector provide enhanced maternity pay, compared with 97% of public sector companies, research by HR data and insights provider Brightmine revealed (4...

Employee benefits lack adequate support for working parents, survey finds

Just 14% of working parents feel supported by their employee benefits package, according to research by REC Parenting, an online platform that offers support to parents.

Time off is parents’ second biggest concern when kids are sick

Having to take time off work is parents’ second highest concern when their child is in hospital, according to research from MetLife UK, an insurance and employee benefits provider.

How should employers support parents with a seriously ill child?

A petition has been started for a statutory requirement for employers to offer career breaks for parents with a seriously ill child, but some have questioned the practicality of such a policy.

Flexible paternity leave plans announced by government

Government has announced it will amend legislation to give new parents more flexibility on when and how they take paternity leave, in response to a public consultation on parental leave and pay.

Horseback maternity meeting costs employer at tribunal

A groom has won a maternity discrimination suit against her employer, an Epsom Derby-winning stables, after one of her managers refused to dismount during a meeting about her return to work.

How should HR support employees with postpartum depression? 

According to the World Health Organisation, almost one in five women will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in the year after the birth of their children.  

Government backs new bills for pregnant workers and unpaid carers

The government has thrown its support behind new laws designed to help both pregnant workers and unpaid carers in the UK.

Paid pregnancy loss leave offered to just a quarter of employees

Only a quarter (25%) of employees who experienced pregnancy or baby loss in the past five years received paid compassionate leave from their employer, according to research from the CIPD.

Virgin among first companies providing paid carer and neonatal leave

Virgin Media O2 has rolled out enhanced employee wellbeing initiatives, becoming one of the first UK companies to offer both paid neonatal and paid carer's leave to workers.