Sir Robert McAlpine has launched a new set of employee policies never before seen in the UK construction industry.

Following a successful trial, the firm is introducing Family First in an effort to offer greater gender parity and flexibility for families.

These new policies will see both men and women entitled to 26 weeks' paid leave, no matter how their family grows (birth, adoption or surrogacy). Parents can also benefit from enhanced family leave after just 12 months' employment, rather than two years previously.


Other changes include the introduction of carer leave for those with caring responsibilities, as well as the ability to request unpaid parental leave from day one, which previously only applied to those with one year's service.

The company has introduced the new policies to reflect the diverse fabric of modern families and be truly inclusive, building on its ambition to be the Best Place to Work.

Karen Brookes, Executive Director of People and Infrastructure, Sir Robert McAlpine, said: "We aim to lead by example on inclusion, and the launch of our new Family First policies takes us one step further towards our ambition to be a flexible, family-friendly business that is the Best Place to Work."

(CM/MH)