Asda has introduced a new policy to support employees with babies in neonatal care.
- Employees can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave for neonatal care.
- The policy is effective for babies hospitalised within 28 days of birth.
- Asda’s initiative includes full contractual pay during the leave period.
- The policy reflects Asda’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
As of today, Asda has implemented a groundbreaking neonatal care leave policy aimed at providing substantial support to its workforce. This initiative emerges as a significant step for Asda employees whose newborns require hospital treatment. It grants them the opportunity to avail up to twelve weeks of paid leave. This is in addition to any existing maternity, paternity, or adoption leave entitlements.
The policy specifies that any employee whose child is admitted into neonatal care within the first 28 days post-birth, and stays for a period of seven days or more, will benefit from this provision. Such employees will receive their full contracted pay for each complete week their child remains under neonatal care. The introduction of this policy underscores Asda’s dedication to alleviating the pressures faced by new parents during such critical times.
Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, expressed her long-standing support for related causes as a trustee of Tommy’s, a pregnancy and baby charity. She acknowledges that the birth of a child is often stressful. Tatum affirms the company’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of all staff members during these challenging circumstances. In her words, the aim is to furnish the necessary time and resources to help employees navigate these difficult moments as smoothly as possible.
While the policy has been launched, Asda also announced a complementary initiative. They are introducing a clothing line for premature infants under their George brand. This range is set to launch on World Premature Baby Day, offering further support to families, both online and in select stores located near neonatal units.
Asda’s new neonatal leave policy marks a comprehensive commitment to supporting employees during challenging family circumstances.
