Work-life balance | How to support working parents and navigate parental leave policies

In the modern world, achieving a balance between work and family life is a challenge many working parents face. With businesses striving to create inclusive environments, supporting employees through parental leave policies has become increasingly important.

As Human Resources (HR) professionals, we play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and supporting the diverse needs of our employees. In this blog, we explore the things to consider when creating a workplace culture that includes and supports working parents.

Parental Leave entitlements

In the UK, the maternity leave entitlement is 52 weeks. However, when it comes to pay, this becomes more complicated. All employers must give birthing parents Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. This consists of 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks. This then reduces to £172.48 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks.

Fathers or second parents are only allowed two weeks of paternity leave. New parental leave regulations (beginning 8th March 2024) allow this leave to be taken in non-consecutive blocks. The statutory rate of Paternity Pay is £172.48, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).