Parental Leave Policies Evolve as Employers Compete for Talent
Parental Leave Policies Evolve as Employers Compete for Talent New Benchmark Reveals Shifts in UK Family Support
Bright Horizons has published its UK Parental Leave & Family Support Benchmark 2025, revealing how more than 300 organisations across the UK and Ireland are adapting their policies to support working families and attract top talent.
Chris Locke, Executive Director of Work+Family at Bright Horizons, says: “Enhanced parental benefits offer businesses a strategic advantage. They improve engagement, retention, and productivity while showing that the organisation genuinely values its people.
By supporting employees across life stages, from early parenthood to elder care, organisations foster a culture of care, inclusion, and resilience. The result is improved mental health, reduced absenteeism, and a high-performing workforce ready to meet the future with confidence.”
Key findings of the Parental Leave & Family Support Benchmark 2025 include:
- Enhanced Leave on the Rise: 66% of employers now offer at least 12 weeks of fully paid maternity or adoption leave. 21% offer 26 weeks or more.
- Equal Leave Gains Ground: A quarter of employers now offer equal leave regardless of gender or parenting role.
- Beyond Leave – Practical Support: Leading employers are investing in phased returns, coaching, care solutions, manager training and parents’ networks to support long-term career sustainability.
- Future Focus: Fathers and carers are emerging as key priorities, with further enhancements planned where budgets allow.
The Benchmark, trusted by Bright Horizons’ 400-plus client partners and the wider HR community, offers step-by-step guidance and an interactive league table to help employers assess and improve their family support strategies.
Register now for a live webinar on Thursday 18 September for fresh insights and inspiration following the launch of the latest Parental Leave and Family Support Benchmark.
