Asda is introducing a raft of new family leave benefits for its 140,000-strong workforce that it says will strengthen the support it offers staff during key life moments.
The supermarket giant, which is currently in the midst of a major turnaround plan, has extended maternity and adoption pay for hourly workers from 12 to 26 weeks. Paternity leave at full contractual pay has also been doubled from two weeks to four weeks. This will also be extended to secondary kinship carers.
Meanwhile, a new policy will see Asda introducing 26 weeks of paid leave for primary kinship carers – those who take on long-term care for a child who is not their own.
The group’s existing pregnancy loss policy has also been enhanced to provide two weeks of paid leave for those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
“We’re proud to be introducing new and enhanced family-friendly policies, which underline our commitment to fostering an inclusive and colleague-focused workplace,” said Helen Selby, General Counsel & Interim Chief People Officer at Asda.
“We want our colleagues to feel supported during some of the most important – and occasionally most challenging – moments in their lives. These changes further build on the progress we’ve made over the last year in supporting the beating heart of our business – our fantastic colleagues.”
Jayne Allport, National Officer at the Usdaw union, added: “Following ongoing discussions between Asda and Usdaw, we are pleased that the company has committed to providing valuable, additional support for our members when they need it most. We welcome that the company values the parents and carers working for them and understands their needs in balancing life and work.”
The move follows an announcement by Asda earlier this year that it was investing £80m in pay rises for store staff.
