The HSBC Parental Leave Support Package will be available from 9 January, 2017 for small businesses with fewer than five employees and a turnover of up to £1 million. The package will apply to employees of either gender going on parental leave, covering maternity, shared parental leave, adoption and surrogacy. The three key elements include:
- No interest charged or arrangement fees paid on new or existing business overdrafts up to £5,000 for 12 months1
- Repayment support for customers with an existing Small Business Loan through an additional interest free limit on business overdrafts2
- A capital repayment holiday for existing Variable Rate Flexible Business Loans or Commercial Mortgages for up to 12 months
The support package aims to address a major concern among small businesses, who want more support when an employee goes on parental leave. This issue is highlighted in a new HSBC survey3 which reveals that 57 per cent of small UK businesses are without a plan to deal with an employee going on parental leave, with the financial cost their greatest concern.
The survey, conducted by YouGov with more than 500 senior decision makers within small businesses, also revealed that 41 per cent would delay or cancel their business investment plans if an employee went on parental leave, with 58 per cent believing it would have a negative impact on cash flow.
HSBC’s Head of Business Banking in the UK, James Cliffe, said:
“Our support package is an opportunity to shape a better future for our small business customers, who require more assistance in overcoming the challenges of parental leave. Their most significant barrier is financial, with additional costs and cashflow challenges often leading to these entrepreneurs holding off on growth opportunities and limiting their investment plans.
“Through providing greater financial support we’re ensuring our customers are better equipped to deal with these challenges, which we hope will further encourage small UK businesses in becoming diverse employers.”
Martin McTague, National Policy Director of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Parental leave can present challenges to micro-businesses, many of whom find it time- consuming, complicated and potentially disruptive to how they operate.
“As well as pressing Government to minimise administrative burdens, we welcome initiatives such as this from HSBC, and want to see creative new products and services to overcome financial barriers.”
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
