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NextGen Magazine

 
 

Deloitte UK Grants 6-Month Leave to New Fathers, Equalizing Leave for All

By:
Karen Sibayan
Published Date:
Sep 17, 2024

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iStock-921346680 Benefits

The Telegraph reported that Deloitte UK will grant all new fathers who work for the firm at least six months off. This new policy is aimed at increasing the number of its female partners.                           

There are around 410 women in Deloitte’s U.K. partnership, equivalent to around 30% of its partners.

The accounting behemoth announced its new paternity leave package Sept. 16. The package for fathers will equalize parental leave for all the firm's U.K. employees. The new benefit will grant all new fathers 26 weeks of fully paid leave, which new mothers at the firm already have. 

Currently, the firm offers only four weeks of full pay to fathers after the birth of their child.

The new policy will be effective as of January 2025 and will be offered to Deloitte employees beginning their first day on the job.

The move is part of Deloitte’s efforts to rectify the effect of unequal parental leave on working mothers' career path progression.

The Telegraph reported that Deloitte is the first member of the big four—also including EY, KPMG, and PwC—to offer equal parental leave. The firm is taking initiatives to advance gender diversity throughout its business.

The move to equalize benefits comes after a new YouGov research commissioned by Deloitte, which showed that nine out of 10 working parents state that family leave is “a major factor” when choosing their company.

Additionally, the survey revealed that over half of working mothers think they could progress in their careers if their partners had more parental leave and increased role flexibility. 

More than 60% of working mothers also stated that they had to reduce their work hours, citing their partner's “workplace inflexibility,” compared to only 25% of working fathers who were forced to cut their hours of work.

The research also found that many working parents need help accessing information regarding paternity and maternity leave when looking for new employment, making it harder for them to decide on their career paths.

Deloitte is introducing 12 weeks of extra paid leave for new parents with children needing neonatal care. The firm will also provide five additional paid days off annually to support long-term caregivers. Deloitte will also give paid leave to those undergoing fertility treatment, The Telegraph reported.