"These changes will go a long way to support our members when they need it most"

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Name

Janet Hankin

Union

USDAW

Job title

Union rep and Tesco worker

In September 2023, following ongoing discussions between Tesco and Usdaw, the supermarket announced it was introducing new policies to support workers with paid leave.

These include the introduction of fertility leave for partners, Kinship leave, neonatal leave and a baby and child loss policy. In addition, Tesco announced it was introducing a day one right for carers for up to one week’s unpaid carer’s leave per year.

Janet Hankin is an Usdaw rep who has worked at Tesco for 28 years. Janet said the changes will go a long way to support Tesco staff who have caring responsibilities.

“It started with ongoing conversations between the national forum and the company. I think the company had listened over the years to what we’d been asking for."

"It is a massive win for us. The family friendly policies Tesco have brought in will go a long way to support our members during the times they need it most.”

Maternity and adoption leave

In addition, Tesco has made a significant improvement to its maternity and adoption policy, which will see the first 26 weeks of maternity and adoption leave be paid at full pay.

Janet said: “The changes to our existing maternity leave and adoption leave will support our colleagues who want to have more time at home with their baby. They won’t have to worry so much about taking time off to be with their newborn and the financial impact.”

Unions and employers working together

Janet said the introduction of Tesco’s new policies demonstrates how unions and employers can work together to improve conditions for workers.

“I think over the years there have been discussions with national officers and obviously the company has listened and taken steps to be market leading in terms of introducing these policies.”

Daniel Adams, Usdaw National Officer, agrees. “Following ongoing discussions between Tesco and Usdaw, we are pleased that the company has committed to make these improvements which will provide valuable, additional support for our members when they need it most."

"We are particularly pleased that the business has committed, as it did earlier this year, to the introduction of the right to request flexible working from day one, to introduce some of these changes ahead of any potential legislative change in 2024 or 2025."

We believe this demonstrates the value of employers engaging positively with a recognised trade union and Usdaw will continue to both campaign and engage with the business on areas that will make a meaningful difference to workers in Tesco.

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