Australian law firmClayton Utz say they have announced one of the most generous parental leave policy offerings of Australia’s top-tier law firms.
Here’s what they say
Following a comprehensive review, Chief Executive Partner Darryl McDonough announced that eligible Clayton Utz staff will be entitled to up to 36 weeks’ paid parental leave, effective immediately.
Under the Clayton Utz revised paid parental leave scheme, staff with five years’ continuous service or more will receive 18 weeks’ leave at full pay, with maximum non-primary carer benefits increasing to three weeks’ leave at full pay.
The firm’s parental pay policy offering is in addition to the Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme (PPL), which provides for 18 weeks’ paid parental leave for individuals earning less than $150,000 a year.
Commenting on the firm’s new policy, Clayton Utz’s Chief Executive Partner Darryl McDonough said the changes were part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to foster a family-friendly environment for Clayton Utz staff.
“Our staff are our most important asset. Our parental leave scheme reflects that,” said Darryl. “Our scheme means staff who are eligible for the Government’s PPL, and who have worked at Clayton Utz for five continuous years or more, will be eligible for up to 36 weeks’ paid parental leave. In addition, our scheme also gives staff the flexibility to receive their 18 week payment over a period of 36 weeks at 50 per cent of normal pay. Effectively this allows eligible staff to receive an income for up to a year whilst on parental leave” he said.