Markel Insurance has announced it will double paid leave for secondary carers in the United Kingdom from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, bringing the entitlement in line with paid leave already available to primary carers.
The change, which takes effect immediately, applies to all eligible UK-based employees regardless of gender, according to a news release. It covers employees whose partner has given birth, as well as those who have become adoptive parents, including through surrogacy.
The insurer said equal family leave policies are increasingly recognised as a driver of workplace gender equality, helping to distribute caregiving responsibilities more evenly, improving staff retention, and reducing the long-term career impact that parental leave can disproportionately have on women.
Jo Browning (pictured), chief people officer at Markel, said the enhancement was intended to do more than revise a policy on paper.
“I’m delighted to announce the launch of our enhanced secondary carer leave, which reflects Markel’s commitment to supporting our people during life’s important moments,” Browning said.
“This is more than just a policy enhancement. Coupled with the launch of our community circles for new parents, anchor days, and a focus on guidance for people managers, it’s about creating confidence and consistency for our people taking family leave.”
Alongside the leave increase, Markel said it is investing in practical support structures for employees taking time off. These include leadership endorsement, peer support programmes for expectant and returning parents, and access to planning tools for both employees and their managers – covering periods before, during, and after leave.
The company acknowledged that cultural barriers, particularly for men, have historically discouraged secondary carers from taking extended leave.
Browning added: “We also know that secondary carer leave can play an important role in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace by helping normalise extended leave and supporting shared caregiving responsibilities. We want our people to feel equally empowered to take time away from work to support their families without concern that doing so is viewed differently depending on gender or role.”
The policy update follows a series of people-focused frameworks introduced by Markel in recent years, covering fertility journeys, baby loss, menopause, carer support, and domestic abuse.
