Social landlord Yorkshire Housing has enhanced its family-friendly policy in order to provide greater support for its employees.
From 6 April 2026, the organisation will improve its core family leave by increasing maternity and adoption leave to 26 weeks on full pay, while paternity leave will rise to six weeks on full pay. This will be available to employees with at least one year of service by the expected week of childbirth.
Meanwhile, to ensure employees expecting or adopting a child imminently do not miss out, Yorkshire Housing has introduced short-term improvements ahead of the full rollout. Between 1 November and 5 April 2026, maternity leave will include 15 weeks on full pay and 14 weeks on half pay, while paternity leave will increase from two to four weeks on full pay.
The organisation decided to make its family policies simpler, fairer and more generous following employee feedback. The change is also in recognition of the fact that family life does not pause when people are at work, so it wanted to enhance its family-friendly policy to support its employees and their loved ones through big life moments.
Sarah Hutchinson, director of people and culture at Yorkshire Housing, said: “We know that family life doesn’t stop when you’re at work. These changes are about giving employees the time, flexibility, and support they need to look after what matters most, their families, however they’re defined. By listening to feedback and shaping a policy that fits real lives, we’re building a culture of care and belonging that we can all be proud of.”
