Life doesn’t always fit neatly around work and that's why our new family friendly policy is now live. From 6th April 2026, Yorkshire Housing colleagues now have more generous leave, flexibility and support when it matters most.
So, what’s changed?
We’ve made some important improvements to our core family leave:
- 26 weeks of maternity and adoption leave on full pay
- 6 weeks of paternity leave on full pay
These benefits are available to colleagues who’ve been with us for at least a year by the expected week of childbirth. For new parents, that extra time makes a real difference.
Isaac shared what the changes mean for him:
“I’m incredibly appreciative of the family friendly policy. It gives me the chance to properly support my partner, be present for those really special early moments and bond with our baby. It also takes away the worry of returning to work too soon so I can focus fully on my family.”
It’s about giving people the time to be there for the moments that matter, without the pressure of rushing back to work.
Family means different things to different people and this policy reflects that. It supports parents welcoming a new child and it also supports carers and those moments when someone close to you needs your time and attention.
Sam, who cares for her mum, explained what that support means in practice:
“The family friendly policy means a lot to me and my mum. My mum has Alzheimer’s and I’m her primary carer. Without the support and flexibility from Yorkshire Housing, life would be much more difficult.” Her mum added: “I’m so, so proud of you for what you’re doing for me. I couldn’t do it without you.”
And our colleague Hannah recently shared how she used carers leave when her dad was having surgery:
“This morning I took carers leave because my dad is having surgery and my parents needed me. It’s part of our new family policy. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the flexibility given to me by Yorkshire Housing to work like this. Work life and home life are part of the same life. You can’t keep it in separate boxes. And working for an organisation that understands that sometimes work isn’t the most important thing for you to do today, is gold.”
The everyday moments matter too…
Support isn’t just about the big life events. It’s also about the smaller, unexpected moments that still matter.
Here’s how it’ll support Imogen:
“One of the great things about working for Yorkshire Housing is the family friendly policy. It gives me reassurance that if I ever need it, I can take a paid day’s leave to deal with a pet related emergency. And my dog Jarvis is a big fan of this too!"
We believe that when people feel supported at home, they can be themselves at work. This policy is about trust, flexibility and doing the right thing for our colleagues and their loved ones, however they’re defined. It’s one of the ways we’re building a culture where people feel they belong and are supported through all stages of life.