A DORSET law firm where more than three quarters of its staff are female has said there is “no glass ceiling” ahead of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8.

Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has five offices across Dorset and Ringwood, said it is committed to ‘breaking down barriers’ and tackling bias.

Kate Brooks, partner and head of employment/HR services, said: “There is no glass ceiling at Ellis Jones.

“As a profession and a firm we are committed to breaking bias, stereotypes and discrimination in respect of all protected characteristics, not just gender.

“We are extremely proud of the progress that we have made to achieve women’s equality, and inclusion.”

More than three-quarters of staff at Ellis Jones are female and over half of the firm’s associates, senior associates and partners collectively are women.

The firm has recently introduced improved maternity pay which now includes 12 weeks’ full pay and 12 weeks’ half pay, effectively the equivalent of 18 weeks full pay.

The firm said it also continues to raise awareness and break down barriers in such areas as the menopause, IVF, baby loss awareness, new parents returning to work, and health and wellbeing.

It also has a flexible working policy generally in terms of hours, location and working arrangements.

This month Ellis Jones is sponsoring a new initiative to encourage more girls to take up science, technology and maths.

Soroptimist International Bournemouth’s STEAM Challenge for year 8 and year 9 girls aims to promote participation and raise aspirations in industries often perceived as ‘male dominated’.

Lauren Day, partner and head of dispute resolution, said: “We are continually looking at ways we can improve equality, diversity and inclusion.

“We raise awareness in a range of areas, including education where the STEAM Challenge is so important to broaden the horizons of young girls and raise their aspirations for fulfilling and worthwhile careers.”

There are nine female associates, five senior associates and six partners at Ellis Jones – representing over half of the firm’s senior management team.

International Women’s Day is on Tuesday March 8, this year with the theme of ‘break the bias’.

Ellis Jones has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.