Ealing Council has significantly expanded its paternity leave provision from two to eight weeks, greatly exceeding the UK statutory requirement. This initiative forms part of a wider range of family-friendly policies designed to attract and retain staff.

Under the new scheme, eligible employees will now enjoy up to eight weeks of paternity leave, a substantial increase over the two-week statutory entitlement available to most UK workers. In addition, the Council has introduced a retention payment for staff returning from maternity leave, aimed at incentivizing their return by providing additional support as employees transition back to work.

The new support package is intended to bolster the Council's competitive position in the labor market and respond to evolving employee expectations regarding flexible and inclusive workplaces. The Council has also made significant enhancements to maternity and adoption pay, including an increase in full pay from six to up to eight weeks and extended periods of half-pay. The updated policy broadens eligibility criteria and ensures that adoptive parents receive consistent support irrespective of the child's age. A new one-month retention payment has also been introduced to encourage staff to return to work.

These measures to assist families are part of a broader cost of living support package for Ealing employees, spanning assistance from rental property deposits to childcare costs. The rental deposit scheme aims to help employees who are entering a privately rented tenancy or those needing a deposit while awaiting a previous deposit refund. A new childcare deposit loan scheme is also available to assist employees in securing childcare placements.

These changes align with Ealing Council's broader workforce strategy, which seeks to improve recruitment and retention, develop talent, and attract a more diverse workforce. The Council's approach aims to keep experienced staff while drawing in younger workers and mid-career professionals, with family-friendly policies being a vital component of its employment offering. The updated policies also adopt a more inclusive approach by providing gender-neutral access to parental leave, ensuring that all partners receive support.

This initiative has received backing from 'The Dad Shift', a campaign group advocating for improved paternity leave in the UK, alongside GMB and Unison representatives at Ealing Council.

Councillor Steve Donnelly, Ealing Council's cabinet member for inclusive economy and efficiency, remarked: "Equality, inclusion, and strengthening relationships are central to Ealing's values, and these are being translated into action through our new workforce policies. We want to help children and families build strong foundations of close, loving relationships. Providing cost of living support will help dismantle employment and career progression barriers, especially for residents who constitute 30% of our workforce. By creating a modern, flexible working environment, we aim to recruit and retain top talent to serve the people of Ealing both now and in the future. Together, we are building a stronger Council and stronger communities."

George Gabriel, co-founder of 'The Dad Shift', commented, "Huge congratulations to Ealing Council. This will make a tremendous difference to hundreds of working dads and their families, setting an important precedent. With eight weeks of properly paid paternity leave, these fathers will have meaningful opportunities to support their partners, bond with their babies, and embark on their fatherhood journey."

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Dean Mullins, GMB representative at Ealing Council, said, "While some parents might use annual leave to extend their time at home, it is not feasible for everyone and does not replace dedicated family leave. The early weeks following childbirth can be challenging, especially when complications arise or the mother requires longer recovery periods. Having additional paid leave can make a significant difference by providing much-needed support at a critical time for both parents and children. Ealing Council's approach reflects a genuine commitment to supporting families, promoting equality, and recognizing the crucial role fathers and partners play in a child's early life."

Kemi Atolagbe, branch secretary, and Mary Lancaster, branch chair of Ealing Unison, added, "Unison congratulates Ealing Council on its decision to extend paternity leave from two to eight weeks and enhance maternity and adoption pay. This progressive step supports working families, improves retention, and reflects modern expectations of a fair, inclusive workplace. The new retention payment for staff returning from parental leave acknowledges the challenges new parents face, and the broader cost-of-living support package demonstrates a real commitment to staff wellbeing."

Alongside the expanded offer for parents, Ealing Council is continuing to develop broader measures to support staff, including new career development pathways, apprenticeships, and targeted retention packages for hard-to-recruit roles. The updated policies are now in effect at Ealing Council and are being actively promoted to managers and staff to ensure that everyone can understand and access their new benefits.