Significant improvement to family friendly policies attracts new candidates

Accountancy firm Grant Thornton UK has tripled its paternity leave allowance in a bid to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.

The business aims to more flexibility to employees with caring responsibilities as they adjust to welcoming new family members. Amongst the changes being rolled out, Grant Thornton will increase the enhanced paternity pay it offers from two weeks to six weeks full pay (including statutory pay).

Other key updates, which will apply to people who are due to have children from January 1, 2023, include a reduction in length of service criteria for paternity, shared parental or maternity and adoption leave and increased enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave. These are in addition to other benefits such as neonatal leave and unpaid family leave.

The business believes that creating an inclusive culture which reflects and supports the diverse needs of its employees is important in a fierce recruitment market.  They are in a growing number of businesses who are improving their family friendly and flexible working practices to attract and retain key talent.