A new Government-backed initiative is helping businesses across the UK better support working parents during their children’s crucial early years, while improving staff retention, productivity and business performance.
Launched on 5 November, Business Backs Families is delivered by London-based good business charity ReGenerate, with support from the Department for Education (DfE) and philanthropic funder Ethos Foundation.
The initiative aims to demonstrate how supporting working parents can benefit both families and employers, helping businesses retain experienced staff, reduce recruitment costs and build a more engaged workforce.
At its heart is a new digital hub offering practical advice, real-life business examples and ready-to-use resources. Designed for organisations of all sizes, it recognises that supporting working parents need not involve expensive new policies or major changes to existing working arrangements.
Among the approaches businesses can explore are:
- Work 80%, Earn 90%: A phased return from parental leave, allowing parents to work 80% of their normal hours for 90% of their salary until their child turns two.
- Banked Family Hours: Providing up to two additional hours each month for essential family commitments, such as medical appointments or school events.
- Expanded Caregiver Support: Extending family-friendly policies to kinship carers and others with caring responsibilities.
Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, the hub encourages employers to consider what works best for their staff, resources and business needs.
With 60% of working parents saying they would consider changing jobs for better parental benefits, employers have a clear incentive to offer greater support.
Research cited by ReGenerate suggests that businesses introducing flexible and family-friendly working practices report increased employee satisfaction (94%), higher productivity (65%) and stronger engagement (72%).
The initiative also highlights the importance of the first five years of a child’s life, when the foundations for learning, communication and emotional wellbeing are established. With an estimated 2.5 million parents of children under five in the UK workforce, employers have an important opportunity to support families during this formative period.
Ed Boyd, CEO of ReGenerate, said:
“The first five years shape the rest of a child’s life, and employers have more influence over those years than many realise.
“What’s exciting is that many of the things that help working parents can also be good for business. Whether it’s retaining experienced staff, improving productivity or building a more committed workforce, employers and families can both benefit.
“Business Backs Families is about making those opportunities easier to explore, sharing practical ideas so businesses can decide what works best for them.”
Early Education Minister Paul Waugh said:
“Business Backs Families will help employers take practical steps to support working parents, while attracting and retaining talented people.”
Fiona Howarth, Founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles, added:
“The early years fly by, and they’re a real juggle. Backing parents through them isn’t a perk – it’s how you keep great people.”
Alongside the hub, a series of regional roadshows will take place throughout 2026 and 2027, allowing employers to share experiences and learn from businesses already introducing family-friendly practices.
Up to 2,000 businesses are expected to participate, with support from local authorities and major business networks, including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and CIPD.
The programme will begin in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region before expanding nationwide.
Businesses can access the free resources and find out more at www.businessbacksfamilies.co.uk.
