Achieving a work-life balance

"The opportunity to receive vouchers toward the cost of childcare has really helped us out. The reduction in costs has enabled my wife to reduce her working hours and spend more time at home with our child."

Steve, Business Development

Balancing childcare with work can be both stressful and expensive. We have a number of initiatives which are designed to help make it easier and more affordable to cope with the pressures of balancing family and work life.

The childcare voucher scheme can help to make life a lot easier. Due to the family-friendly tax break offered by the government, we can help our employees with the cost of childcare.

Up to 52 weeks maternity leave

If you require maternity leave, you are entitled to 39 weeks' paid leave (eight weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay and 13 weeks on Statutory Maternity Pay) and can remain on maternity leave for up to 52 weeks. You can also take time off for antenatal care classes and appointments.

Paternity leave

As the child's father or guardian, you will be entitled to either one week's paternity leave at full pay, or two weeks' paternity leave at statutory paternity pay rate.

Adoption leave

If you adopt a child, the main carer is entitled to the same provisions as for maternity leave, including paid time off to attend pre-adoption interviews/meetings.

Parental leave

After your first year's service, you are entitled to 13 weeks' unpaid leave (a maximum of four weeks each year) to care for your child/children up to five years old. Various other similar forms of provision apply where a child has been adopted or is disabled. Leave must be booked in blocks of one week. If you are a part-time employee this entitlement is pro rata.