Fund manager Invesco has implemented “gender-neutral” paid parental leave across its Emea business in a move reflecting Standard Life Aberdeen, which took a similar measure earlier this year.

All new parents at Invesco, including those since the start of the year, will be entitled to 26 continuous weeks’ paid leave at full basic salary within 12 months of becoming a parent whether via birth, adoption or surrogacy.

Invesco is also offering employees a phased return to work at full pay for 80% of their normal working pattern during their first six weeks, to “assist with the adjustment back into the workplace”.

Doug Sharp, regional chief executive at Invesco, said the gender-neutral approach to pay and the parenting is part of a commitment to encourage equality in the workplace.

“Being a working parent myself, I understand the need for flexibility. I strongly believe that a firm’s culture is one of the most important considerations for attracting and keeping talent.”

Standard Life Aberdeen in January introduced nine months full paid leave for all new parents and said the measure set a precedent across businesses in the UK.

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