Introducing our new Family Leave policy
Setting a new standard in supporting new parents
In line with our commitment to being an outstanding employer, and with the full support of our charity owners Turn2us, we have launched a progressive parental leave pay policy that aims to provide all employees who become parents the opportunity to take time to bond with, support, and raise their child during the first year of the child’s life, or in the case of adoption, the first year of an employee becoming a parent to the child.
This marks a significant milestone in the group’s strategic objectives to provide outstanding and inclusive careers in care, operating as an exemplar employer and indicates a firm commitment to supporting staff as they become new parents.
Dr Olivia Curno, our Chief Executive, comments:
“I am utterly delighted to announce the launch of our new and greatly enhanced Family Leave Policy. We believe we have developed one of the most progressive, generous and family-centred approaches in the care sector. We continuously strive to be a caring, supportive employer and by offering these enhanced benefits, we set an example we hope other providers will follow.”
According to findings issued by Maternity Action in 2023, 71% of women on maternity leave worry about money. To reduce spending, three-quarters turn their heating off or down and a quarter skip meals – with 1 in 20 going without food for a whole day.
Today the basic rate statutory maternity pay is just 47% of the National Living wage, in comparison to 2021 when it was 62.5%.
The new Elizabeth Finn Homes Family Leave Policy outlines the rights and entitlements of employees when welcoming a new child into their lives, setting out both basic and enhanced entitlements relating to new and expectant birth parents at work, birth parent leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, co-parent leave, parental leave and parental bereavement leave.
Here’s what our staff have to say:
Jessica Walters, Home Manager
“I have worked for Elizabeth Finn for 14 years, and the implementation of the new Parental leave and Family policy is amazing. I started my maternity leave in September, and this policy has given me and my husband financial security and made things that little bit easier when our whole world is about to turn upside down with our first baby. The company have always looked after its staff but this is setting a real example to the wider health and social care sector. I am proud to work for a company that nurtures its employee’s and look forward to returning after 9 months to continue to work for such a supportive company.”
Michael Taylor, Receptionist
“As recently becoming a father I can’t thank EFHL enough for their support and understanding. The new policy has meant I am able to have 6 weeks Paternity leave which can be taken anytime. This has meant I have been able to support my partner in the early challenging days, as well as being able to bond with my son. We both learned together about the baby, how to raise a child, and the approach we would take as parents and how to be part of that process together.
It has helped me to return to work feeling energized and I have even more appreciation for EFHL. “
