COVID-19 support | 'Lockdown leave' could save working parents

Insurance firm Zurich has introduced fully paid 'lockdown leave' for parents facing childcare emergencies following the recent closure of schools.

Staff working in the firm’s UK arm are being offered two weeks paid leave to help balance work, childcare or other caring responsibilities.

Steve Collinson, Zurich’s Head of HR, said that due to school closures, working parents will be “frantically trying to juggle their jobs and childcare responsibilities”.

He added: “We already offer flexibility for employees who want to change their working hours or structure some days differently. But for parents trying to balance work, childcare and home schooling, this may not be enough.