This policy replaces the previous four weeks of paternity leave at full pay. Additionally, the Big Four firm is introducing up to 12 weeks of extra paid leave for parents with babies requiring neonatal care, increasing carer support with five days of paid leave annually, and offering paid time off for fertility treatment.

This move follows YouGov research highlighting the importance of family leave for employees, with 87% considering it crucial when choosing an employer. The research also revealed the negative impact of unequal parental leave and inflexible work arrangements on working mothers’ careers, with more than half stating their career progression would benefit from their partner having more parental leave or flexibility.

Jackie Henry, Deloitte managing partner for people and purpose, told Employee Benefits: “These findings underscore the urgent need for employers to adopt policies that support all parents in balancing work and family responsibilities, ultimately fostering greater gender equality in the workplace.

“We know that equalising paid parenting leave for all parents is an important step in improving gender equality and in giving families the opportunity to share responsibility right from the early days of parenthood.

“This move demonstrates our ongoing commitment to greater equality in family responsibilities and will make Deloitte an even more family-friendly place to work.”