Law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has introduced enhanced parental and carers policies as part of its commitment to the wellbeing of its employees, effective 1 October.
The policies are part of Life@HSF, which is the firm’s approach to delivering a flexible and supportive working environment. Its aim is to expand the level of support on offer to new parents and carers, regardless of their gender or role.
Parents of premature and full-term babies receiving neonatal care will now be able to take up to 12 weeks of fully paid neonatal care leave while their child is in hospital, while co-parent leave has been increased to 12 weeks at full pay. Parents will be able to use their leave in either one continuous block or a two-week and 10-week split.
In addition, the firm has introduced up to one week per 12-month rolling period of fully paid carer’s leave, which goes beyond current statutory rights of one unpaid week of carer’s leave.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ existing parents and carers policies entitle new mothers to full pay for the first 24 weeks of maternity leave and adoption leave. It also offers up to 24 weeks’ fully paid shared parental leave, which is inclusive of co-parent leave staff have already received.
Alison Brown, executive partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, said: “We value our employees and want to support them in important life events, whether that’s becoming a parent or caring for a sick child or relative. Being human and kind doesn’t mean compromising on success. By expanding our parents and carers policy, we’re reinforcing our commitment to providing both professional and personal support at every stage of our employees’ lives.”
