As part of keeping you in our focus, our ‘legal lightbulb’ update ensures you’re on top of the latest changes in legislation, case law, and people trends.
Benefits of equalised paid parental leave
“Transformative” – how Deloitte UK’s move to equalised paid parental leave has been described. A year on since it was introduced, over 625 non-birth parents have applied for equal parental leave, with most taking the full 26 weeks. Employees report the policy has been life-changing for bonding with their children and supporting their families, while the firm has reported higher retention and stronger gender equality. Beyond the leave itself, a supportive culture and flexible working arrangements have been key to enhancing the success of the policy.
Scottish government four-day week trial
A year-long pilot of a four-day working week showed a 32-hour week delivered an “overwhelmingly positive” improvement in morale, stress levels, and productivity – all without affecting service delivery. Staff reported higher job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and more innovative ways of working, demonstrating that shorter working weeks can be a win-win for both employees and employers.
Do you think it could work for your organisation?
Loneliness pushing young adults back to the office
Many 16–24-year-olds report feeling isolated while working remotely, prompting a shift toward traditional office roles. Opportunities for social interaction, mentorship, and relationship-building are driving the trend, showing that workplace culture and a feeling of connection remain central to attracting and retaining young talent.
If you operate a hybrid or fully remote model, do you take a regular pulse check on how your teams are feeling?
UK gender pay gap underestimated
Research has found that the UK’s gender pay gap may have been underreported by around 1% for two decades. The Office for National Statistics’ annual survey of hours and earnings is used to calculate the UK’s gender pay gap – it had not fully accounted for the fact that smaller private employers were less likely to participate in the survey.
Pay decisions, public sector settlements, and minimum wage policies all rely on this data, so the “small but noteworthy” error will have had a significant impact.
Get in touch if you need our advice or guidance on anything we’ve covered in this update.
This update is accurate on the date it was published but may be subject to change which may or may not be notified to you. This update is not to be taken as advice and you should seek advice if anything contained within affects you or your business.
