Up to 60% would change job for better parental leave

Up to 60% of parents or expectant parents would switch jobs for better parental leave, a survey by financial services company Virgin Money has found.

Over 90% of parents questioned said an organisation’s policy on parental leave is an important factor when considering applying for a role there. The research also found that one in seven (14%) working parents and expectant parents have already left a job due to poor parental leave.

When asked what would encourage them to start working for a company, 42% of working parents and expectant parents said equal family leave.

Overall, the survey found that a third (29%) of working parents feel maternity and paternity leave in the UK is generally outdated. The survey also confirmed that employees place value on having a good annual leave entitlement, with employees wanting their company to offer 30 days annual leave (55%).

The company released its research to coincide with the launch of a new initiative that offers equal family leave from the first day of employment to all its employees.