Law firm Bird and Bird has enhanced its family leave policy for employees at its London office.
From this month, all parents, regardless of gender or the way in which they become parents, will be entitled to up to 26 weeks’ fully paid leave during the 12 months following the birth or placement of their child, with an overall entitlement of up to 52 weeks.
Employees are also entitled to take leave in up to two separate blocks. Those with at least one year of service are eligible for the policy.
Its enhanced family leave policy is part of the law firm’s aim to provide its staff with comprehensive parental leave and pay. It forms part of its ongoing commitment to championing inclusion and wellbeing, and builds on its existing enhanced maternity and other family leave policies.
Phil Sherrell, partner and head of the London Bird and Bird office, said: “This policy represents an important step in creating a more equitable environment for all our people. By offering family leave for new parents in our London office, we are helping to remove long-standing barriers and ensure that every parent can play a meaningful role in the early months of their child’s life.”
Andrea Pankhurst, head of HR at Bird and Bird, added: “By providing 26 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents, we are giving everyone the freedom to focus on their family without compromise. This commitment isn’t just about time off from work, it’s about creating a more equal and inclusive workplace for all parents. We want everyone, whether they are a first-time parent or growing your family, to feel supported during the earliest stages of parenthood, with the flexibility and confidence to focus on what truly matters.”
