Asda rolls out neonatal care policy for staff
Asda has launched a new neonatal care leave policy as it looks to provide its staff with additional leave and pay if their baby is born needing neonatal care treatment after birth.
The new policy will mean that any parent of a baby admitted into neonatal care treatment within 28 days of being born will be able to take extra paid leave.
Asda colleagues 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. This will be in addition to their maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
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.”
The new policy has been introduced as Asda launches a new George premature baby clothing range both online and in 51 stores close to neonatal hospital units.
Suitable for babies born before 37 weeks, the range was developed with the input of neonatal nurses, midwives, and mothers.
Made from100% cotton, the starter sets include a bodysuit, sleepsuit, hat, scratch mitts and bonding hearts. The range has been designed to open out flat with popper fastenings, for ease of dressing, which can also be used to access drips, leads, and monitors.
