Lidl GB has become the first supermarket to introduce 28 weeks of full pay for colleagues on maternity or adoption leave.
Made effective on the 1st of January 2024, the discounter will double-pay maternity and adoption leave, with colleagues now benefiting from over six months of full pay, up from 14 weeks.
The move will support parents and set a new benchmark for others in the industry.
As part of a raft of new employment benefits, the discounter has also announced that it will introduce paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment. This will entitle colleagues to two full days of paid leave per treatment cycle, with no limit to the number of cycles within which a colleague can avail of the policy. Meanwhile, recognising the significant impact of pregnancy loss, Lidl has also introduced five days of paid leave for anyone affected before 24 weeks, including partners.
Lidl has expanded its Compassionate Leave policy alongside its family-focused updates, increasing paid leave to five days.
Stephanie Rogers, Chief Human Resources Officer at Lidl GB, said the supermarket was deeply committed to supporting its colleagues professionally and through personal milestones and challenges.
"Over the past year, we've worked closely with colleagues to see how to support those balancing work and family life better. Whilst there is always more to be done, these latest enhancements to our Family Leave policies show our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace and reinforce our ambition to be a first-choice employer," said Rogers.
Lidl is also in the process of becoming accredited as a menopause-friendly employer following the introduction of various measures, including menopause champions across the business and a menopause community group to support colleagues affected by menopause symptoms.
