This section offers a wide variety of news, views, guides and stories about subjects including returning to work, flexible working, maternity & parental leave, childcare, career advice and employment rights.

Construction firm Wates boosts paternity package

Wates has introduced a massive increase in fully paid paternity leave signalling a growing culture change in the construction industry

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Mindfulness for working dads

Construction company Wates has massively increased its paternity leave offer for new dads.

It’s a sign of growing culture change within the building industry.

Another construction firm, Morgan Sindall, are lead sponsors of our Best Practice Report launched today.

Wates has quadrupled its paternity leave policy. New dads can now take eight weeks at full pay rather than the statutory fortnight.

The move is part of a package of family friendly policies. The firm has also boosted maternity leave to six months on full pay. And it has introduced carers leave and bereavement leave.

Fit for the future

David Allen, Chief Executive at Wates Group, said: “To be truly fit for the future and to continue to succeed, we need to become a more progressive and inclusive organisation.

“So, we want to give all our people the flexibility and support they need to thrive in the workplace and at home.

“These new policies will help us do just that. They provide support for everyone at all stages of their working lives and are tangible evidence of our commitment to being a flexible and responsible employer and to investing in all the members of our tremendous team.”

Gender pay gap

Nikunj Upadhyay, Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Wates Group, said: “Surveys of parents in the workplace indicate that men want to be more present for their children and elderly parents, but that current public policy, perceived expectations and organisational practices are barriers to this desire.

“We also know that one of the biggest reasons for gender pay gap is that women tend to spend more time out of work in their careers due to caring responsibilities.

“Family friendly policies enable more equal sharing of work. These changes reflect the needs of modern families and will help us develop a diverse environment where everyone is welcomed, included and connected.”