Boodle Hatfield LLP announces new gender-neutral parental leave policy

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In a bid to encourage equality across the business, leading private wealth and real estate firm Boodle Hatfield LLP has announced its new equal opportunity parental leave policy.

This change follows a review of the firm’s benefits to employees and partners and is part of a wider phased rollout of employee benefits.

The policy will amend what was once known as maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, to introduce access to 26 weeks of fully paid leave to all employees regardless of gender.

The changes will be accessible to all employees who are primary and secondary parents or carers, including adoptive parents who’ve been part of the firm for 12 months. Provisions of the scheme also include support for those undergoing fertility treatment, stipulating that such employees are entitled to five additional paid leave days per annum for appointments and treatment.

Speaking on the new provisions, senior partner at Boodle Hatfield Andrea Zavos, said: “Providing access to flexible parental leave no matter your gender reflects our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment.”

Zavos added that the firm understands the challenges “that come with balancing a personal and professional life”, and it wants to offer a policy “that clearly aligns with our values”.

The firm hopes that these changes will not only provide employees with greater support in becoming parents, but also aid in employees' transition back to work and balancing work and family life.