family-friendly employer
Lewisham Council is enhancing its parental leave policy to become a family-friendly employer.
Lewisham Council agreed in September 2026 to overhaul its parental leave policy, aiming to introduce a minimum of six weeks' fully paid paternity or adoption leave. This decision, made at a Council meeting, followed a motion proposed by Councillor Andre Bourne and seconded by Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes. The motion was amended to ensure inclusivity for diverse family structures and to engage with trade unions.
The council's commitment includes championing itself as a family-friendly employer, moving beyond its current provision of up to two consecutive weeks of paternity leave. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by councils to review and update employment policies to better support staff with family responsibilities.
A family-friendly employer offers policies and benefits to support employees with family responsibilities, such as enhanced parental leave. Councils are increasingly reviewing their employment practices to align with these principles, aiming to create more supportive workplaces for their staff.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council agreed to introduce a minimum of six weeks' fully paid paternity or adoption leave. Source
- This decision was made at a Lewisham Council meeting on 23 September 2026. Source
- The current parental leave provision at Lewisham Council is up to two consecutive weeks of paternity leave. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.