What do we mean by Parenting, Childcare & Caring?

When we talk about Parenting, Childcare & Caring in relation to your games business, we simply mean the policies and perks you provide to help your team members balance their work and family life. This could include things like parental leave, caring leave, flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and access to family planning resources – all designed to keep your employees happy and thriving both at work and at home.

What is UK law on Parenting, Childcare & Caring in the Workplace?

UK Parenting, Childcare & Caring laws are all about making sure your team has the support they need when it comes to their family life and responsibilities. These laws cover everything from maternity and paternity leave to adoption leave, shared parental leave, and even time off for dependants, as well as more recently introduced legislation for those with other caring responsibilities. By following these regulations, you’re creating a healthy work-life balance and making sure your employees feel valued and protected.

In terms of leave policies, your team members have the right to take time off when they have a baby, adopt a child, or need to care for their family. Maternity leave allows mums-to-be to take up to 52 weeks off, with Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) available for 39 of those weeks.

New dads or partners can take up to 2 weeks of paternity leave with Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP). Adoptive parents can also enjoy adoption leave, and parents can even share leave through the shared parental leave scheme. Lastly, it’s essential to keep in mind that UK law protects your employees from discrimination based on their family planning choices. The Equality Act 2010 makes sure that everyone gets treated fairly, regardless of their pregnancy, maternity, or paternity status.

The Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024, which came into force on April 6th 2024, granted new employment rights for people who juggle unpaid caring responsibilities with paid employment. These regulations introduced a new statutory right to unpaid carer’s leave for employees in Scotland, England and Wales.

As a games business owner, it’s your job to ensure that you accommodate your employees’ needs and provide a supportive work environment.

Last updated September 2024

Key organisations & resources

Calendar events

International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)

This global collaborative campaign aims to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the inequalities that exist, as well as showing support for children and young people living with and beyond cancer.

Learn more about International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)

Young Carers Action Day

The UK’s Young Carers Action Day is an annual event dedicated to recognising and raising awareness about the challenges faced by young people who provide care for family members with illnesses, disabilities, or other needs.

Learn more about Young Carers Action Day

Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives.

Learn more about Foster Care Fortnight

National Day for Staff Networks

The National Day for Staff Networks is the world’s only nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace.

Learn more about National Day for Staff Networks

International Day of Families

This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

Learn more about International Day of Families

Carers Week

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Learn more about Carers Week

World Breast Feeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual campaign to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, emphasising its importance for global health and wellbeing.

Learn more about World Breast Feeding Week

International Youth Day

International Youth Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the potential of young people, raising awareness of challenges they face, and promoting their active engagement in socio-economic and political processes.

Learn more about International Youth Day

International Day of the Girl

On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

Learn more about International Day of the Girl