Law firm Shoosmiths is to enhance its family-friendly policies from 1 September.
As part of its co-parent leave package, eligible employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks of co-parent leave at full pay, a gender-neutral replacement for its previous two fully paid weeks of paternity leave. This can be taken in up to two blocks in the 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child and can be combined with shared parental leave to create up to 26 weeks of enhanced pay, subject to eligibility.
Shoosmiths will also partner with fertility clinic Apricity to offer an inclusive pathway for fertility guidance and treatment. Employees and partners will have access to a free consultation and discounts for any treatment.
The firm will additionally launch fully funded access to back-up child, adult and pet care provided by Bright Horizons. Every employee will be entitled to up to five backup care days per year when planned care falls through. They can also join a Work and Family Space portal that is tailored to personal circumstances and provides access to relevant resources, discounts and offers.
Eleanor Tanner, director of people at Shoosmiths, said: “By introducing these policies, we are strengthening our overall employee proposition for the benefit of our colleagues and for our future joiners. It is sending a message to the market that if the best talent wishes to join Shoosmiths they will be supported with a generous policy package which has also been developed with inclusivity in mind as part of the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
The firm also offers up to 26 weeks of enhanced adoption, maternity and shared parental leave at full pay, up to five days off fully paid per cycle for those undergoing fertility treatment and up to two days on full pay for those whose partner or surrogate is undergoing treatment in a 12-month period, paid time off for up to five adoption appointments for the named main adopter, and up to 10 days of leave at full pay for employees affected by early pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including partners and those with a surrogate mother.