Asda introduces huge change for workers needing extra time off

Asda has launched a new change for staff needing extra time off after they've had a baby. The supermarket's new neonatal care leave policy will provide colleagues with additional leave and pay if their baby needs neonatal care treatment after birth.

From today (Wednesday November 13), Asda staff with a baby in neonatal care treatment for seven full days or more will be able to take up to a maximum of 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to their maternity, paternity or adoption leave. Around one in seven babies born in the UK are admitted to a neonatal unit shortly after birth, according to research from the National Education Union.

The policy allows any parent of a baby admitted into neonatal care treatment within 28 days of being born to take additional paid leave. Parents needing to stay in hospital, or another agreed care setting whilst their baby receives neonatal care treatment, will receive full contracted pay for each full week that their baby receives treatment up to a maximum of 12 weeks.

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Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “As a long-time supporter and board trustee of pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s, I recognise that the birth of a child can be a stressful time for any parent. Unfortunately for many families, this can also come with its own unique challenges which is why we’re launching this policy today.

“Our priority is ensuring the wellbeing of all colleagues and making sure we’re offering our full support as they navigate their way through these challenges. By launching this company-wide policy, we hope we can provide the time and essential resources to help our colleagues to get through what can be an incredibly difficult time for families, as best they can.”

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Neonatal care is used to treat a number of medical conditions found before and after a baby is born. These might be conditions which are genetic or inherited conditions or where a baby has not fully developed or developed differently in the womb.

Asda has also announced a new George premature baby clothing range, which will launch in line with World Premature Baby Day on November 17, both online and in 51 stores close to neonatal hospital units.

With prices starting from £13, the new range of bodysuits, sleepsuits, hats and scratch mitts have been tailored for babies born before 37 weeks and was developed with expert neonatal nurses, midwives, and mums. Products in the range are 100% cotton, and are designed to open out flat with popper fastenings, for ease of dressing, which can also be used to access drips, leads, and monitors.