Lidl has become the first supermarket to introduce 28 weeks full pay for colleagues on maternity or adoption leave.
From 1 January 2024, the discount grocery giant will double paid maternity and adoption leave, with colleagues now benefiting from over six months of full-pay, up from 14 weeks.
Lidl said the move will not only support parents, but also “set a new benchmark for others in the industry to follow”.
As part of a raft of new employment benefits, the discounter will also be introducing paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment, enabling 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.
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Recognising the significant impact of pregnancy loss, Lidl has also introduced five days of paid leave for anyone affected by pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks, inclusive of partners.
Alongside its family-focused updates, Lidl has expanded its compassionate leave policy, increasing paid leave to 5 days.
Lidl GB chief human resources officer Stephanie Rogers said:“We’re deeply committed to supporting our colleagues, not just in their professional lives but also through personal milestones and challenges. Over the past year, we’ve engaged closely with colleagues to see how we can better support those who are balancing work and family life.
“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.”
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