Asda staff receive major enhancements to family leave benefits

Asda has introduced a family leave policy for its 140,000 staff, adding more support beyond the statutory minimum. 

Hourly paid staff will now receive 26 weeks of paid maternity or adoption leave, up from 12 weeks. 

Paternity leave has been doubled from two to four weeks at full contractual pay, with secondary kinship carers also now eligible. 

Additionally, a new policy gives 26 weeks paid leave to primary kinship carers who look after other children. 

Staff experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks can now take two weeks paid leave.

Helen Selby, general counsel and interim CPO at Asda, said: “We’re proud to be introducing new and enhanced family-friendly policies, which underline our commitment to fostering an inclusive and colleague-focused workplace. 

“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 Usdaw, said: “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.”