Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has linked up with an external provider to offer the firm's London employees emergency care for children and other dependents.

The magic circle firm has teamed up with My Family Care to offer up to 10 free back-up care sessions a year to cover childcare, elderly care, school holiday cover or care for other dependent adults.

The deal means employees will be able to search for and book a qualified and vetted nanny or childminder in the UK at as little as two hours' notice. The scheme, which came into effect today, will also enable staff to find home care for adult dependents at short notice.

Global human resources partner Caroline Stroud said: "We have been thinking about how best to support people in their work/life balance and we looked at some of the things other firms and companies are doing.

"A lot of people in the firm have families, both men and women, and it can be an added stress for people worrying about childcare arrangements falling through. By supplying this service we are removing this worry and better meeting the needs of our employees."

The firm already offers similar benefits to employees in Germany via a local provider.

The new scheme comes alongside Freshfields' pilot of a flexible working scheme in its corporate department, with arrangements include job-sharing between associates, and non-traditional work patterns.