Construction firm Skanska UK has enhanced its maternity, paternity, adoption and dependants benefits with immediate effect for its more than than 3,300 employees across the real estate, defence, education, highways, rail and water sectors.
Skanska UK increased maternity and adoption leave to 26 weeks fully paid, and paternity leave to eight weeks fully paid, which can be taken in one week blocks over 12 months from the birth or placement of the child.
Parental bereavement leave has been extended to two paid weeks for members of staff who are affected by miscarriage, and dependants leave has risen to up to one week at full pay.
Harvey Francis, executive vice president at Skanska UK, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to announce these significant enhancements to the support Skanska UK provides for parents and carers. We’re providing greater support to all families, including adoptive and LGBTQ+ parents, at the time when they need it most, whatever their circumstances and furthering our commitment to making Skanska a great place to work.
“Supporting our employees’ family responsibilities with this package of improvements is simply the right thing for us to be doing. We recognise the importance of flexibility for families, and this has been central to our thinking throughout this process.”
Christina Kio-Bennett, women’s network lead at Skanska UK, added: “These changes support all parents to take time away from work to be with their family at this valuable time. This is an important step forward in our journey to achieve gender equality.”
