I am currently working for a boutique strategy consulting firm in London. We do not have a maternity policy yet, so I have been asked to work one out (yes, for myself). What do other consulting companies offer? Anything I can use as a benchmark?

Putting aside all the little legal caveats that are based on UK law and will be same for all UK firms, our maternity policy basically states:* "Reasonable" paid time off for antenatal activities and appointments, plus* 8 weeks "ordinary" maternity leave at full pay* 18 more weeks "ordinary" maternity leave at the SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay) standard set by the government* 26 more weeks of "additional" maternity leave which is unpaid* Benefits continue as normal throughoutThis policy is for a medium-size international consultancy (ca. 2,000 UK staff)Note that some staff have more generous policies because they were part of firms that were bought. Some senior consultants and principals have negotiated more favourable conditions (26 weeks full pay and retaining bonus eligibility).I recommend that you cost out the policy decisions both for your present firm size and taking into account potential changes a few years down the line. When drawing up the policy, invest in getting it done by an employment law professional to make sure it is watertight (for both the firm's and the employees' benefit).

So, basically your company's policy is 8 weeks at full pay, plus continuing benefits throughout (does that include any pension contributions, BTW?), since the other elements are statutory!Consistent with what we do at my firm (a small-size international firm, ~50 staff in the UK)

I wish my firm would let me draft the company's remuneration policy

'Draft' is the right word, which is why I am looking for hard facts showing what our competitors do. Otherwise it will be statutory minimum. Does anybody know what the 'big guys' offer, ie McKinsey, BCG, Accenture, PA?

Yes, the continuing benefits include continuing employer pension contributions (10-20% of salary)

Big four firm. Weeks 1-6 Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) at 90% of relevant earningsWeeks 7-22 Discretionary occupational maternity pay at 50% of notional salary before the commencement of maternity leave plus standard rate SMP at £112.75 per week (or 90% of notional salary, if lower)Weeks 23-39 Standard rate SMP at £112.75 per week (or 90% of relevant earnings, if lower)Weeks 40-52 No maternity payMost benefits continue to apply during maternity leave.

Thanks everyone, this is all very helpful. Anyone else out there with info?

Thanks everyone, this is all very helpful. Anyone else out there with info?

I have heard acn maternity policy is really good -full pay for over 6 mths

is that cuz all the HR bimbos wanna have kids soon

its now 9mths on full pay with payback if you decide not to return afterwards. I did and did not return