Russell McVeagh leading in equal pay and parental leave

21 October 2016

Russell McVeagh leading in equal pay and parental leave policies

Today Russell McVeagh is proud to announce that the firm has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Gold Category in the YWCA Equal Pay Awards. This coincides with an announcement of a new parental leave policy, with increased paid parental leave provisions for staff regardless of gender, sexuality or role in the firm.

The inaugural YWCA Equal Pay Awards were launched in 2014, recognising best practice among business leaders who are on the journey toward equal pay. To be recognised in the Gold Category is a fantastic accolade.

A YWCA spokesperson states, "Organisations at this level are typically creating and evolving strategies to establish a direct link between implemented initiatives, processes, practices and cultural intent with the organisation’s people strategy to address equal pay. These organisations have used a range of diagnostic tools, processes and systems implemented to draw insights and create action plans to address equal pay within the organisation. Gold award recipients will demonstrate best practice and will be acknowledged as a leader in equal pay and be prepared to share learnings for others to follow. Organisations at this level are held up and recognised as leaders in the field of addressing equal pay."

As part of Russell McVeagh's ongoing commitment to diversity, the firm today announced a new parental leave policy. The policy contains increased paid parental leave provisions for staff regardless of gender, sexuality or role in the firm (provided they meet the statutory eligibility requirements for government paid parental leave as the primary carer). Russell McVeagh now (through 12 weeks of paid leave and a six week lump sum on return to work) 'tops up' the 18 week primary carer government-paid parental leave to full pay. In addition, the firm also offers paid partner leave for up to two weeks for non primary carers.

The policy will apply to staff commencing parental leave after 25 October 2016.

Lesley Elvidge, HR Director says, "Equal pay is an incredibly important platform of our diversity programme. We are honoured by this recognition by the YWCA Equal Pay Awards and remain committed to continuing our diversity journey at Russell McVeagh through ongoing initiatives such as our comprehensive parental leave policy."

Winners will be announced at the YWCA Awards Event in Auckland on the 3rd of November.

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