Arthur Cox has introduced 26 weeks’ surrogacy leave as part of a wellbeing initiative for staff.

The firm said that it had “actively paid attention” to recent discussions on the regulation of surrogacy, as well as listening to ongoing feedback from employees.

“We will continue to review our policies to ensure we are in line not only with legislative changes, but how we can best support our employees,” said chief people officer Triona Ferriter.

Arthur Cox's surrogacy leave applies to both male and female commissioning parents.

'Investment'

“At Arthur Cox we see investment in our culture and in employee health and wellbeing as exactly that; a critical investment in our collective futures,” said Ferriter.

She added that Arthur Cox was the first law firm to introduce paid fertility leave.

Benefits include ten days' leave for fertility treatments, 12 weeks’ paid paternity leave, 26 weeks’ paid surrogacy leave, coaching to help “manage the maternity transition”, and a childcare-sourcing service.