An intellectual property firm has announced a ‘progressive’ parental leave policy that will enable parents to take up to a year off, with 26 weeks at full pay, and reduce billing targets for fee-earners.

HGF said its policy positions it as the first IP firm in the UK to provide eligible staff, irrespective of gender, with access to the best parental leave and pay offering. UK staff who have completed one year of service by the expected week of their child's arrival will be eligible.

Staff will also be able to spread leave and pay to suit their personal circumstances. Billing targets will be adjusted pro-rata, and reduced for fee-earners. 

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HGF chief executive Martyn Fish was ‘personally proud and delighted that HGF is leading in its sector and the broader business community by introducing this progressive new policy. This is going to make a real impact on our colleagues’.

A newborn baby clasps hold of their parent's thumb

The policy is described as 'a momentous move in supporting new parents at HGF'

Source: iStock

Lara Robinson, deputy human resources director, said: ‘This is a momentous move in supporting new parents at HGF. This policy helps to level the playing field in providing every eligible colleague the opportunity to be involved in this special time with their new child/ren whilst still being able to progress in their careers, reinforcing HGF’s commitment to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive both personally and professionally.’

Announcing a similar policy earlier this year, City firm Lewis Silkin said policies such as shared parental leave were positive steps forward in principle – but take-up was low due to the complexity of the system.