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Deloitte UK has announced a new policy that will allow 26 weeks’ of fully paid family leave for all new parents at the firm, which will come into effect on 1 January 2025. It is the first Big Four firm to do so.The move comes as new YouGov research, commissioned by Deloitte, found 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 in their role.
The research revealed 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.
Some 61% of working mothers say that if their partner had more flexibility in their role, it would help them to progress, while 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%).
More than half (54%) of working parents said they would consider leaving their jobs for improved work-life balance.
Richard Houston, Deloitte senior partner and CEO, said: “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.”
Jackie Henry, Deloitte managing partner People and Purpose, added: “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.
“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.”
