UK Recruitment Glossary
Shared Parental Leave
In recruiter context
More flexible than maternity leave — parents can take leave in chunks, simultaneously, or sequentially. Eligibility: same as Statutory Paternity Pay (26 weeks' service). The mother must end her maternity leave to free up Shared Parental Leave for the partner. Take-up has been low — only ~5% of eligible UK fathers use it because of cultural pressure and inferior employer top-up rates compared to maternity. Some employers offer enhanced Shared Parental Pay matching their enhanced maternity pay; many don't. Worth asking about specifically when evaluating offers if family planning is relevant.
Related terms
Soft Skills
Behavioural and interpersonal skills — communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, tea…
Panel Interview
3-5 interviewers questioning a single candidate simultaneously — common at senior or competitive UK …
Internal Mobility
Movement of employees between roles within the same UK company — promotions, lateral moves, secondme…
BIK (Benefit in Kind)
Non-cash compensation provided by employers — company car, private healthcare, gym membership — taxe…